The shop in question, which stands opposite the Old Cat Inn in Lawnswood Road, Wordsley, is a disgrace to the owners. Where is their business acumen? This property could have been made into another shop or a residential unit when the previous occupants vacated the premises. During the 70s Dudley MBC put a ‘Building of Special Interest’ order on this and other properties in the area whereby the frontages could not be altered. The owner of these premises is altering the frontage through sheer neglect and should be admonished for it.

The local councillors were aware of this worrying state of the property some time ago but it seemed they were unable to do anything about it because they didn’t know who the owners were. However, the owners have now been found and following the restoration and redecorating of the nearby Richardson Hall it seems a great pity that right next door is a dilapidated, crumbling building that takes the shine from the Hall’s restoration.

Full marks to our councillor Paul Brothwood for getting this issue off the ground with, feasibly, positive results.

Rosemary Skidmore Wordsley