Crumbling property 'spoiling village'

Fed-up residents in Prees are concerned listed buildings which have been left crumbling for 30 years are putting people off buying property in the village.

More than 80 villagers voiced their concerns at a meeting yesterday about the state of the buildings at The Square in the centre of the village, which they say is presenting Prees in a bad light.

The two privately-owned buildings sit on the corner of Shrewsbury Street and Church Street and lie in a conservation area.

Members of the Prees Matters Group have called on fellow villagers to join their campaign and complete a survey and petition which will be presented to Shropshire Council. They have also threatened to apply for a Section 215 order under the Town and Country Planning Act which will be used to improve the site.

Val Lewis, who is behind the campaign, said: "I don't know how the buildings have been left to ruin for so long and they are having a negative impact on the village and are very unsafe.

"I have spoken to an estate agent who has said they have had trouble trying to find buyers for property in Prees due to the state of the site, which is a real concern and is terrible for the village."

Gareth Proffitt, Shropshire Council spokesman said: "The council shares the concerns of local people and we are actively working to resolve this issue.

"The site owner is carrying out improvement work and we are working closely with them to ensure this work is carried out to the required standard.

"We are carrying out visits to the site every two weeks and have set a series of targets."