A 17th century building which houses a family-run business is set be given a major revamp – to the delight of staff who have managed without running water for more than 25 years.
Owners of Mytton Antiques, along the old A5 near Atcham, will no longer have to bring bottled water to work – or make do with a chemical toilet in an outhouse – after National Trust officials agreed to bring the Grade II-Listed building up to modern standards.
The work, which will include improved drainage, will also put an end to problems with flooding which has affected the ground floor after heavy rainfall. The cost of the project is expected to run into thousands of pounds.
Jerrard and Sally Nares moved into the former thatched cottage about 30 years ago and have had to manage without sanitation since then.
Shropshire Council planning officers have now received a planning application from the National Trust after it was agreed the building should have basic sanitation facilities in the form of a WC, sink and septic tank.
Sally Nares told the Chronicle that she was delighted the building was being brought up to modern day standards.
“The building is very old and between us and the National Trust we agreed it needed improving. Having no water hasn’t been a huge problem – we have just bought our own in – but it will be nice not having to do that anymore.
“Because there are no drains, gutters or soakaways known of, after heavy rainfall the ground floor of the cottage becomes flooded, which is inconvenient and it will be good to have this problem sorted.”
In a design and access statement on behalf of the National Trust, it says: “Better drainage is required around the property to take away the surface rainwater.
“The pathway to the front of the building and the wall are in a poor condition and rebuilding of the wall and re-laying of new paviours is required in order to provide a safe route to the front entrance of the property.”
Jerrard Nares learned the antiques trade by working for firms in London and New York. He now sells antiques to customers all over the world and has people coming from America to visit the shop. Contact Mytton Antiques on 01952 740229 or visit www.myttonantiques.co.uk
By James Pugh