WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter is demanding answers from Head of Probate Service on delays to Grappenhall Rectory case, with the building continuing to deteriorate.
Mr Carter has written to the National Services Director at the Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) to demand an update on why there has still been no decision taken by the Probate Court on the Grappenhall Rectory.
The condition of the Grade II Listed building has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with local residents having described the Rectory in its current state as a ‘blot on the landscape’.
Mr Carter has previously criticised Warrington Borough Council for failing to take action over the course of three decades to ensure the Rectory was kept up to standard by its owners. Having since entered probate around four years ago, the Local Authority remains effectively powerless to order repair works to take place until the Probate Court reaches a conclusion.
The MP’s intervention followed a session of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee on Tuesday, where he questioned the National Services Director and the Minister for Courts and Legal Services on the wider issues with delays to probate cases. He subsequently raised the issue of the Grappenhall Rectory and received assurances that the case would be looked into.
In his letter, Mr Carter wrote:“During my time as the Member of Parliament for Warrington South, I have engaged with concerned local residents who have become appalled at the deterioration of Grappenhall Rectory. I have engaged through the Local Authority with the owners, however, there appears to have been no progress with probate following a death in 2019.
“In recent years Grappenhall Rectory has been frequently targeted by vandals and arsonists. Local residents understandably want to see the property restored to its former glory, however with the estate currently in probate there are effectively no avenues to mandate such works take place.
“While I have previously written to Warrington Borough Council to request communication with the lawyers for the deceased’s estate, so as to progress the decision of the Probate Court, nothing has been forthcoming as of yet.”
The MP went on to request an explanation be given for the unacceptable delays and asked for the case to be expedited as a matter of urgency.
