Residents' concern at 'eyesore' square in Lawley Village
It was supposed to be eye catching and pleasant but residents and businesses say the state of the square in Telford's Lawley Village is letting the development down.
Part of the walk-through between Birchfield Way and the Morrison's car park has been fenced off for more than six months while maintenance work is carried out.
Bollards have also been knocked over and not replaced and trees have been blown down and left to wither away.
On its Facebook page, Ironstone Management Services (IMS) – which was set up to manage the public open space and preserve the character of the area – said it was putting pressure on "the parties responsible", the Lawley Village Developer Group and Henry Davidson Developments – to complete work on alterations and repairs to the square.
On the same page, user Kirsty Smallman said her five-year-old son's comment on the space was "not pretty, it looks a mess".
IMS replied: "We agree that there are numerous issues with the square and that it is letting the village down. IMS are putting pressure onto the parties responsible to get the repairs done and the alterations to the square completed as soon as possible."
Business owners today said they were convinced the situation had contributed to a loss in custom.
James Palmer, manager at Subway, said: "This is affecting us and it is putting people off the area."
Mary Charlton, 75, a resident at Lawley Bank Court, said: "I am totally disgusted with the way it has been treated. It is such a tragedy because it is such a lovely little square.
"It is also terrible for disabled people and for the mums with their prams because it's hard to get through the walk way if someone is coming through the other way."
Rebecca Webster, resident and Morrisons employee, 21, added: It is just a huge eyesore, the fencing was blowing over the other day, I am just waiting for a face to be blown on to someone."
Jennie Archer, sales assistant at Bernardo's, added: "We have lost a fair bit of custom since is has been like that."
Russell Griffin, Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the issues that have arisen in connection with Lawley Square.
"We are keen that the Square is built properly but a combination of highway-related damage and the scheme's complicated contractual arrangements have contributed to delays."
