RESIDENTS in a Stretford road are demanding action to improve a decaying Trafford house that has been neglected since the 1980s.

Householders have been campaigning for years for the house on Westwood Road to be upgraded.

They say the privately owned house has deteriorated since the owner left more than 15 years ago to work abroad, and he has since retired in Jamaica.

They organised a petition protesting at the state of the house in a bid to get a rates rebate more than a decade ago.

Neighbour Dorothy Jackson says: "Not only is the property an eyesore for those of us who live in Westwood Road but has, over the years, begun to fall apart with windows and doors being boarded up.

"It is now attracting young children who are intent on not only playing in the property but feel it is great fun to knock down the front garden wall which, in itself, is a hazard for people using the public footpath."

The gardens are also overgrown, windows and brickwork in a state of disrepair and the gable end of the house beginning to bulge. For many years the garage has been full of paper and rubbish and the lounge is also strewn with paper, which Mrs Jackson says is a fire hazard.

Another neighbour, Matthew Cullen, complains: "Both the house and the gardens are in a severe state of disrepair and are a real eyesore."

Joe Marriott, the renewal and environmental protection manager at Trafford Council, says: "We have written to the owner on several occasions offering to discuss the situation and also offering grants to help renovate the property. We have had no response so the council is now considering the option of compulsory purchase so we can bring the house back into use."

Litter problems can be reported to the council on 912 3604. People can also contact Trafford Direct 2000 on 912 2000, which provides information and help on a range of council services.

We want our readers to continue to let us know about problem areas - please WRITE to Grotspots, Stretford and Urmston Messenger, Brindley House, Ashton Lane, Sale M33 6TP; or FAX us on 908 3403. Please give precise and detailed locations and say if you would not want your name included in an article.

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