Bid launched to rid Rowley Regis of grot spots (From Halesowen News)

Bid launched to rid Rowley Regis of grot spots

4:56pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

GROT spots in Rowley Regis are being put under the microscope in a bid to rid the town of them and make it more attractive to investors.

Councillors from the wards that make up the area, including Cradley Heath, Rowley and Blackheath have pledged to focus on derelict and neglected pockets of land.

More than 25 sites have been identified and include eyesores such as the site of the New Inn in Graingers Lane, Cradley Heath, which have blighted areas for more than a decade.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill councillor Ann Shackleton said pressure would be put on owners to take action to either develop the sites, clean them up or sell them.

Sandwell Council officers are working through the list to establish ownership, which is thought to be a mixture of private and local authority.

Cllr Shackleton said: “These eyesores affect the appearance and cleanliness of the town and are a barrier to investment.”

She said they often also attract fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

“The intention of the councillors is to put pressure on owners to bring forward, as soon as possible, viable solutions to the regeneration of derelict sites,” added Cllr Shackleton.

The land in Graingers Lane is awaiting development and the former Cradley Print works in Chester Road, is earmarked for a major housing development.

The councillors will monitor progress and, as chairman of the local scrutiny panel, Cllr Shackleton said progress would be shared with residents.