MORE than 130 people have signed a petition calling on Dudley Council to take action and help regenerate a row of derelict shops in Wordsley.

Wordsley councillor Paul Brothwood started the e-petition which urges the council to issue a Compulsory Purchase Order for the dilapidated, disused shops in Sandringham Place.

Residents in the area are urged to put their names to the petition, which has so far been signed by 137 people.

Cllr Brothwood said: "Following years of attempts to try and secure new tenants and find sources of funds to rectify the shops it has now come to an impasse.

"There is a myriad of ownerships including, sub lessees that need to be dealt with.

"There are a number of health and safety issues as well as crime related factors that must be taken into account.

"Many attempts have been made to deal with this saga, but to no avail.

"For too long these empty premises have caused costs to the taxpayer, a solution must be found.

"We look forward to working with the council to find a speedy and cost-friendly solution."

He said the site could be a prime location for new homes given the demand for housing in the area.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood is also demanding action be taken by the council to help revitalise the site - by demolishing the old shops and billing the owners to making a CPO once a potential developer for the land has been identified.

He said: "These derelict shops at Sandringham Place are in an appalling state. They’re not only an eyesore that brings down the surrounding area but it damages the local amenity, discouraging investment and regeneration”

“I have spoken to a number of constituents who are frustrated at the disgraceful state of these shops, and that’s why I am demanding that the council use all their available powers to deal with this without delay.”

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley Council's cabinet member for planning and economic development, said of the matter: “Although we are an authority that has the power to make compulsory purchase orders, it is often a last resort, with the council preferring to negotiate with landowners on regeneration schemes.

“As this petition regarding the premises on Sandringham Place is still ongoing, it would be too early at this stage to discuss what action the council may take but the results of the petition will be considered once the closing date has passed and it is formally handed into us.”

To sign the petition go to the e-petitions section on Dudley Council's CMIS site online or click here.

Signatures will be collected until Sunday April 1.