Southampton Debenhams: Litter and rats spotted inside former store

Cigarette ends, discarded cans and takeaway boxes can be seen through the windows strewn across the floor. 

The former retail store in Queensway closed in May last year and the building has stood derelict since.

Residents are now calling for the site to be cleaned up, in the hope to improve the area. 

Former Debenhams site in Southampton (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

The owner of Clip and Dip dog groomers down the road said the area has gone downhill since she moved in September. 

Claudia Campos said: "It's horrible. Just horrible. This area has got so many problems. I have just started my business.

"It's a horrible building. People break in and it has smashed windows. It just ruins everything.

"I had a man break in during the day to steal from the front of my shop. I now have to lock the door even during open hours. I am scared."  

READ MORE: What's happening to the former Debenhams site?

Mohan Patel (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

Mohan Patel, of ABS Local, said: "Guards come in and out but I don't see much else. It is an empty building but I do see people sleeping in the doorways of it.

"The building is not great but there is not much to do about it. I would like something to be there and more people coming in here."

Resident and University of Southampton student, Mei, said she once spotted a rat in the window.

She said: "I walk past it every day, it's just gross. I look through the windows and I saw a rat in all the food packets.  

"I don't know if anyone looks after the building. It doesn't look like anyone does. I know it's going to be torn down but it's still so bad right now." 

The building is set to make way for 607 new homes.

READ MORE: Plans for 600 new homes on former Debenhams site 

Plans include three new blocks comprising of seven to 17 storeys, with two commercial premises planned for the ground floor. 

A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said they have had no record of complaints about the condition of the site. 

You can report any environmental issues through the council's website. 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook