An artist’s impression of the Moston Road scheme, Sundorne.
Exclusive by Charlotte Hester
The Chronicle can exclusively reveal a glimpse of the proposed plans for a £5million regeneration scheme which will see an ‘eyesore’ block of derelict shops demolished – ahead of a crunch planning decision next week.
The Parade on Moston Road, Sundorne, has been plagued by scrap metal thieves in recent months and has become the target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
The area is part of a joint project between Severnside Housing and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council to build 37 affordable homes and one shop and is due to come before planning officials next Wednesday (December 3).
Severnside has submitted fresh plans for the scheme which include a community shop after its previous application was rejected.
One resident, who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said the vacant shops are now a sitting duck for arson attacks. He said: “It is one of the biggest eyesores around here and it downgrades the area.”
Councillor Malcolm Price, portfolio holder for housing, said he would be speaking in support of the application which he says is needed to clean up the area’s image.
Matthew Spittles, asset management director at Severnside Housing, said every effort had been made to tackle the vandalism.
A spokesman for the police said reports about anti-social behaviour in the area had reduced since the shops closed.