PEN-Y-GROES is not a particularly architecturally distinguished village. Its buildings tend towards the func tional, reflecting its background as a centre for anthracite mining. There are fine solid homes around the town, while Capel Pen-y-Groes is the most substantial building; a large nineteenth century celebration of non-conformism.
Opposite that, however, on the corner of Bridge Street is what can politely be described as a ‘fixer-upper’ opportunity of the type beloved of television programmes like Homes Under the Hammer.
The former shop, situated on the main crossroads in the village has slowly and inevitably been sinking into eyesore status since the death of its previous owner as their executors fail to resolve the disposition of the estate.
According to local Councillor Siân Thomas, the property is in a shocking state of disrepair.
The County Council has observed that: ” The property still remains in ‘ Executors ‘ status, following the death of the owner. The Local Authority undertook works by default in order to make the building safe by boarding up all windows, repairing roof tiles and removing any dangers to the public, a charge was placed against the property to recoup costs upon sale if not paid within a certain timeframe. As there are a number of executors on the will then nothing can be done until this is resolved “.
Locals are asking, for an answer as to how much longer they will have to tolerate having the look of the village ruined by inheritors squabbling over who is responsible for sorting out the building’s future.
Local hairdresser Caroline Jones asked Cllr Siân Thomas for help in preparing a petition to get the Council to act.
Councillor Thomas replied: “This is a splendid idea, I have been trying to get some action on this site for a long time. It is not the County Council’s fault that the square looks so dreadful, but they need to push for resolution now.”
The petition asks: ” We the undersigned call on the County Council to do something immediately to improve the look of our village, by either compulsory buying of the old shop, 2 Bridge St Pen-y-Groes, or to take the owner to court to improve the site ” .
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