Craven Arms eyesore to be restored

An "eyesore" building which has lain derelict for decades in a south Shropshire town is set to be brought back to life after town councillors bought it in a £35,000 deal.

The former Craven Arms Labour Club off Corvedale Road had been unused for years, with attempts to track down the owners of the building proving fruitless.

The future of the venue had even been raised by south Shropshire MP Philip Dunne in the House of Commons in 2007.

But Roger Conway, vice-chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said an offer for the building had been accepted and the final legal aspects were being finalised.

He said while councillors had some potential ideas for the building, the first priority was to complete the deal and take initial steps to improve the area for the local community.

Mr Conway's announcement at a town council meeting last night followed months of behind-closed-doors negotiations.

He said: "The agents have submitted an offer of £35,000 for the purchase of the site to the vendors' board. The board has agreed to accept that offer and has instructed its solicitors to proceed with the transfer of title. It's been neglected and an eyesore for decades and for a long time no-one knew who the owners were."

He added: "It's now a question of waiting for the wheels to grind."

A substantial sum has also been set aside by town council clerk Eric Williams to cover potential legal costs.

Mr Williams said the council's priority was to enhance the building and the surrounding area.