The owner of a derelict building previously occupied by travellers has been threatened with legal action.

Notices have been served by Stevenage Borough Council to investment company Hamilton Bradshaw to clean up its site in King’s Road, Stevenage, which was formerly used by Fujitsu.

The council has given the company 28 days to make the site – occupied by travellers for a number of weeks until February 2 – safe, secure and clear of rubbish while the building remains unused.

If the work is not carried out within the timeframe, the council take the company – owned by former Dragons’ Den star James Caan – to court.

Cllr Richard Henry, executive member for safer and stronger communities at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “While the council cannot do anything about the building being empty, we can act to try and ensure that its derelict state does not adversely affect the environment, and neighbouring businesses and residents.

“We recently worked with the police to peacefully evict some travellers who had illegally accessed the site, and we are continuing our efforts to get the building’s owner to take responsibility for its cleanliness and safety. We will continue to do this – through a legal route if necessary.”