Work could start again on empty Telford flats

Councillors say they are "keeping their fingers crossed" that something will be done about the Summercroft development in Donnington, where work first began in 2008.

Safety concerns have been raised over the flats on Turreff Avenue in Donnington after youngsters were spotted going through the gates blocking off the building.

West Mercia Police say that in the past officers have received reports of people entering the site and turning on taps, which has caused some damage.

But now, Councillor Liz Clare, ward member for Donnington, said she has heard from agents looking after the development for the owner that they are hoping to be back on site next week.

She said: "Apparently a contractor has already been on site and should be there as early as next week.

"They are going to finish six flats on the one side and hopefully within six to eight weeks they will be ready to let so that there will be someone on site. Hopefully that will stop a lot of the vandalism."

The development features a total of 20 flats but has been unfinished, with no work taking place since about 2012.

Councillor Clare said there have been some legal issues preventing work from continuing, but added residents have long wanted to see the building either finished or taken down, after vandalism and the gates supposedly preventing people from getting on to the site have made the area an eyesore.

She said: "This will mean there are six more properties available in the area for people who want them and someone will be there to put people off entering the building.

"We have had promises before but we are quite hopeful. The people there have had to put up with an eyesore and it is grossly unfair.

"Councillor Clive Mason, the other ward member for Donnington, and I live and I have been inside the site before and the flats are quite nice. But now people have been inside and they have been vandalised.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that this time it is definitely going to happen."