Future of Market Drayton flats under consideration

Plans for the future of a north Shropshire block of flats, plagued by anti-social behaviour, are being examined by housing leaders after funding to redevelop the site was turned down.

Combermere Court, part of the Fairfields estate in Market Drayton, has seen a decline in demand for its flats and has earned a reputation as a base for anti-social behaviour.

In a bid to tackle the problem, Meres and Mosses Housing Association sought financial backing from the national Homes and Communities Agency to make significant improvements to the property, but the funding bid was rejected.

The bid would have seen the property, which is made up of one-bed apartments, replaced with suitable, affordable family homes.

But bosses today said they are still determined to examine positive options for the renewal of the site.

Meres and Mosses Housing Association has now ceased letting the properties and, after consultation with remaining residents, is beginning the process of helping them re-locate to suitable alternative accommodation as new plans are developed.

Paul Sutton, executive director for asset management at Shropshire Housing Group, of which Meres and Mosses is a part, said: "Our preferred option for Combermere Court would always have been to redevelop and significantly enhance the existing site but, unfortunately, funding was not approved.

"So, while we work with the remaining residents to find them suitable new homes, we will begin the process of looking at what we can do with the Combermere Court site that will add the most value to this area of Market Drayton."