Hundreds sign petition over old rectory

HUNDREDS of people have signed an online petition calling for urgent action to restore a crumbling former rectory building in the centre of the picturesque village of Grappenhall.
The petition, launched by local resident Kathryn Leach, is addressed to Sara and Mike Sutton, who own the Grade 2 Listed building adjoining the historic St Wilfrid’s Church.
It reads: “Our beautiful ancient cobbled village has been ruined for more than a decade by the run down building site that was formerly the village rectory.
“The residents of Grappenhall feel strongly that this should not be allowed to carry on. We implore you to respect our village and either take action or sell up, this has gone on for long enough.
“The Rectory is steeped in history and holds happy memories for Grappenhall residents. The beautiful building in the heart of the village should be restored to its former glory, not left to rot for year after year.
“Complete the works on The Rectory in Grappenhall Village or sell to someone who cares!”
Grappenhall councillor Mike Biggin has signed the petition himself.
He said: “I took this up some 10 years ago and arranged a visit with the  borough council’s  enforcement officer and the conservation officer.
“Mr and Mrs Sutton assured us that work would be undertaken at that time and that parts of the building that were missing, such as the metal balustrades, would be replaced. Since then little if any   progress has been made, though the boundary wall has been removed along with a large outbuilding. “
Cllr Biggin said the parish council and the borough council had explored all the legal opportunities to persuade the owners to complete the work.  They had been assured the work would be carried out and that Mr and Mrs Sutton intended to live in the house. Various teams of builders had been on site but then left.
“Residents of Grappenhall have finally had enough of the prevarication and so contacted me with the possibility of starting a petition. More than 200 names were added over the first weekend and I really hope  this demonstrates the strength of feeling in our village.”