Neighbours are calling for a 'derelict' Cronulla property to be cleaned-up

Long-time Cronulla resident Grant Twivey said the privately-owned building, on the corner of Marlo and Wyanbah Roads, had been abandoned and vandalised on-and-off over the past 35 years, and was now in a state of disrepair with long grass, broken windows and graffiti.

He said the state of the property attracted youths on weekend nights and some of the families and elderly residents in the neighbourhood felt unsafe.

The residents are calling for Sutherland Shire Council (SSC) to encourage the property-owners to fix up the residence and find tenants for it.

"We pay substantial council rates for protection and presentable streets. We've had enough," Mr Twivey said.

Youths frequenting the property as a 'hang out' had reportedly verbally-abused residents in the past.

"Youths have broken windows [on the property], there's yelling and screaming, things have been thrown," said Mr Twivey.

"I'd like Council to get the owner to fix the whole place up, so it doesn't attract youths who have nowhere to go on a Saturday night.

"Either that, or board the whole thing off with a ten-foot fence so no-one can get in and we don't have to look at it."

A Council spokesperson told the Leader that Council staff were due to undertake an inspection of "a privately owned property located on a prominent Cronulla site" and would "work with the owners of the premises to advise them of any issues that may require remediation."

"In instances where privately owned properties have fallen into disrepair or pose a safety or security risk to the surrounding community, Sutherland Shire Council endeavours to work proactively with the property owners to ensure that these issues are addressed," the spokesperson said.

"While we strive to ensure that such issues are dealt with in a timely manner, Council has limited powers to compel private property owners to rectify issues regarding the maintenance and visual amenity of their property."

Council reminded residents who had concerns about anti-social or unlawful activity to report these concerns to NSW Police.