Petition launched to save Stafford's neglected buildings

Local MP, Leigh Ingham, has launched a campaign to save Stafford buildings that have been neglected and left to become derelict by their owners.

Leigh, who is MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, proposed a Bill in Parliament that will address the gap in Compulsory Purchase compensation regime.

Currently, local authorities are generally required to meet the legal and professional fees of the very owners whose neglect has made compulsory purchase necessary in the first place.

In situations when an owner has deliberately allowed a building to fall into ruin, there is presently no financial incentive for them to maintain the upkeep of their building and instead places the entire cost burden on already stretched local authorities.

Leigh is asking her constituents and those passionate about the local area to sign her petition and highlight any buildings being neglected in their communities.

Speaking about the proposed bill, Leigh said: "This is more than just an empty building in the high street or in our village - it is about having pride in our area, restoring the high street to what it once was, and making sure landlords don't get away with taking money away from local councils and services.

"I think it is a disgrace that under the current laws, owners of buildings they have allowed to fall derelict are essentially rewarded for their neglect.

"I have proposed this Bill and launched my campaign to put an end to this.