South Holland District Council is using the clean-up of a Spalding eyesore to launch a district-wide campaign.
The Bull and Monkie site in Churchgate was finally tidied and secured on Monday.
The council promises that other areas will be spruced up in the near future in its Pride in South Holland campaign.
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for planning, said: “Our determination to clean up eyesore sites across the district is clear and the Bull and Monkie is just the first.
“Owners of eyesore sites in South Holland should act now to remove rubbish, clear out the weeds and join with us in helping make sure all areas are clean and welcoming.”
The work at the Bull and Monkie site – which is in arguably the nicest area of the town – was arranged by the council after site owners Crispen Holdings Limited failed to respond to a notice ordering a clean-up.
As the work got under way, council leader Coun Gary Porter said: “The old Bull and Monkie pub is a disgrace to its owners, a blot on the face of Spalding and I am pleased and relieved to announce the start of its clean-up.
“As well as getting the clean-up done, I have also asked officers what further legal action is possible against the landowner who has refused to get in touch and to stand up to their responsibilities.
“We have pursued the matter properly and done everything within our legal power to get the area cleaned up.
“It is very disappointing that the owners have not complied with the notice so now we will take action and bill them.”
The securing of the Bull and Monkie site means it can now no longer be used for casual free parking.
A spokesman for the council said: “Further announcements about the Pride in South Holland campaign will follow shortly.”
