February Update for Shifnal

Market Place, Shifnal

I thought I would provide you with an update on 22 Market Place.  We understand that the financial company that manages the pension fund that part owns the building has now completed an enforced sale procedure and have placed the property on the market with a local estate agent (Fields of Shifnal) with a guide price of £299,950.  They have made available a structural survey to assist prospective purchasers. Details are available here: –

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131286119#/?channel=COM_BUY

The financial company have taken this action in direct response to the planning enforcement notice that the Council served and officers continue to liaise with them.  Officers consider that the best prospect of improving the condition of this building is to secure a change of ownership, as the previous private owner had been entirely unresponsive to all efforts, including from the finance company, to impel them to undertake any repairs and the finance company are not able to instruct any works themselves. Officers will also work positively with any purchaser to advise them on repairing the building and bring it back into use.  An enforcement notice could also be served on any new owner if they fail to act.

If you are aware of anyone who might be interested in purchasing the building please could you encourage them to make contact with the estate agent.

Fencing around Barclays Bank, Shifnal

Currently there hasn’t been much progress and the owners of the property do not seem to be willing to engage surrounding repairs and our powers under Section 78 (Immediately Dangerous Structures) ended once the fencing went up and the danger to the public was removed.

Shropshire Council are continuing to try to get the owners to engage with them and commission repairs but the only way they can compel them to do so is through Section 77 of the Building Act which requires going through a magistrate.

The possibility of a Section 77 has been raised with senior management. Unfortunately until the building deteriorates to the point that fencing is no longer viable and the Council’s Section 78 powers kick in again, or the property owners engage and commission repairs the Council is limited in its legal options. The local surveyor checks the building on a regular basis and will act if it becomes unsafe again.

Litter in verges on main roads

I have reported the issue of littering around Shifnal, particularly along the main roads but we are not seeing any progress unfortunately.

I have now raised this issue with the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Regulatory Services, Cllr. Richard Marshall who has stated that this is high on his agenda and will be undertaken once the Council’s winter maintenance programme is completed.

Road Closure in April – Haughton Road Shifnal

Please find enclosed details of a temporary road closure:

Road Closure:  Haughton Road Shifnal

Start Date: 14th April 2023

End Date: 28th April 2023

Purpose: Road Closure-S278 works highway improvement to include for raised table for traffic calming, carriageway and footpath resurfacing and installation of additional gullies for drainage.

You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here:  https://one.network/?tm=132818876

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.