A DERELICT former cinema’s deteriorating state is becoming a danger to the public, a nearby business owner has claimed.

Louise Smith, owner of The Workshop salon, in Crouch Street, Colchester, is growing increasingly concerned at the condition of the old Odeon, which is situated directly opposite her premises.

She says rendering from the walls of the property has started to fall from high up on to an access road situated to the side of the premises, putting the public at risk.

Ms Smith, who has run the popular salon for nearly 18 years, said: “I go down the road regularly as my accountant is based down there.

“About 20 foot up the rendering is falling off and smashing on to the floor below.

“If you are walking around there it is scary, you are taking your life in your hands.”

The dilapidated building has a chequered history ever since the cinema giant closed the premises in 2002, and it has regularly been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

A long-awaited £10 million redevelopment scheme, which would have seen 57 apartments created, stalled late last year when Blumarble Property admitted its the plans might not be financially viable.

The developer is believed to be reshaping its proposals, however in the meantime Colchester Council has issued a section 215 notice, ordering a clean up of the area.

But Ms Smith said little has changed since the notice was issued.

“There is a grey hoarding which they have put up around the side of the building,” she said.

“That helps as long as you do not look above eight foot up.

“But nothing else is any different - the graffiti is still there, the windows are still smashed and the plants are still overgrown.

“It is bringing this part of the town down.

“I am very lucky that I have been here a long time and I have my regular customers but it is always a subject of conversation.

“It may be boarded up and I am not sure people can get in there any more but it is a monstrosity and I think 16 years of it is enough.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We are aware of the current situation with the condition of the building and are in communication with the owner’s planning agent to ensure all requirements of the section 215 notice are met as quickly as possible.

“Some work has already been completed at the site and more is expected to proceed soon.”

Blumarble Property did not respond to The Gazette’s requests for comment.