A COUNCILLOR has instructed builders to either redevelop historic “eyesore” buildings with ties to a popular TV show or “sell them to someone who can”.

The buildings, which were part of the original Cavalry Barracks of Colchester Garrison, are linked to the Quadriga development off Abbey Field.

They are famed for starring in the opening and closing credits of the hit comedy series Blackadder Goes Forth. 

Set in 1917 during the First World War, the show stars the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Tony Robinson and Hugh Laurie.

However, despite their pop culture significance, the buildings now lie virtually abandoned behind hoarding on the development.

Pam Cox, councillor for New Town and Christ Church, is now calling for builders Vistry Group to redevelop the properties or sell them on.

Gazette: Empty - the abandoned buildings are at the heart of the Quadriga developmentEmpty - the abandoned buildings are at the heart of the Quadriga development (Image: Google)

She said: “This site was allocated as a regeneration area in the Colchester Local Plan of 2004, that’s 20 years ago and current owners Vistry have not fulfilled their responsibilities.

“Vistry has plans for the site, they submitted new proposals to the council only last October, but they don’t seem to be bothered about actually doing anything with them.

“Meanwhile people on the Quadriga development have to live with this eyesore on their doorstep.

“There should be 70 families living here but instead we just have pigeons and crumbling buildings.”

The development was originally built more than a decade ago and has had issues with delays to parts of the site.

Gazette: Famous - Rowan Atkinson at Colchester barracks in September 1989Famous - Rowan Atkinson at Colchester barracks in September 1989 (Image: Steve Brading)

Ms Cox has now written to Peter Willis, the newly appointed Eastern Counties managing director at Vistry Group, to ask for an explanation and push for action on the buildings.

“What’s just as worrying is that Vistry now owns Countryside Properties, which bought another major piece of land nearby – the former ABRO site,” she added.

“If Vistry takes as long to get moving there as they have done with the Cavalry Barracks, Quadriga residents will be surrounded by derelict buildings for another couple of decades.

“If Vistry can’t do the job they should sell to someone who can.”

Vistry and Countryside Properties were contacted for comment.