Appeal for rescue of historic Market Drayton hotel
A historic coaching inn which has lain derelict for years should be taken over by Shropshire Council before it falls further into disrepair, neighbouring residents have said.
People in Market Drayton believe the former Corbet Arms Hotel, in High Street, should be bought with a compulsory purchase order.
The landmark building, which was built in the 17th century and sits in the centre of the town, was once a hotel, ballroom and pub.
Back in 2009 local businessman Maroof Shah bought the building for £200,000 and vowed to bring it back life by restoring it to a 14-bedroom hotel and re-instating the ballroom.
But building work has been stop-start ever since, with no workmen currently on site.
Mr Shah also said he wanted to build a gym and restaurant inside and move the town's Post Office into the building.
But four years on residents say Shropshire Council should now step in after seeing little improvement. Resident Peter McNulty said: "I think the time has come to finally say enough is enough with the Corbet.
"The building is in such a prominent location that it just cannot continue to stand there looking run-down and ugly.
"I'm sure it was bought with best intentions but it needs restoring now."
Linda Brin, another Market Drayton resident, said: "There's a lot of hard work going on in Drayton to try to revive the town. The thing that's holding everything and everyone back is the Corbet."
And resident Lisa Jones added: "I don't know what the answer is for the Corbet. It is such a shame to see it the way it is now with it being such an iconic building.
"I would love it to be a pub again, so many happy memories there, but sadly I don't think it would ever go back to the way it used to be as times have changed."
Mr Shah said the project had been delayed due to problems with the roof.
He said he hoped the Post Office would move into the building next year.
The businessman also refused to rule out selling the building.
He said: "If Shropshire Council or anyone want to buy the building and they are willing to meet the asking price then I am happy to talk to them. All they have to do is get in contact and we can arrange a meeting.
"People do not realise how much work the building needs. A lot of water got in from the roof. We had repaired all the walls and then had to do it all again.
"But the basement and ground floor are now completed, they just need decorating."
