ANSWERS have been demanded over probate delays that are causing a historic building to dilapidate further.

Warrington South MP Andy Carter has written to the national services director at His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

This is to demand an update on why there has still been no decision taken by the probate court on Grappenhall Rectory.

The condition of the Grade II-listed building, on Church Lane, has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with residents describing it in its current state as a ‘blot on the landscape’.

Mr Carter has previously criticised Warrington Borough Council for failing to take action over the course of three decades to ensure the rectory was kept up to standard by its owners.

Having since entered probate around four years ago, the council remains effectively powerless to order repair works to take place until the probate court reaches a conclusion.

The MP’s intervention followed a session of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee last week.

Here, Mr Carter questioned the national services director and the minister for courts and legal services on the wider issues with delays to probate cases.

He subsequently raised the issue of the Grappenhall Rectory and received assurances that the case would be looked into.

In his letter, the MP wrote: “During my time as the member of Parliament for Warrington South, I have engaged with concerned residents who have become appalled at the deterioration of Grappenhall Rectory.

“I have engaged through the local authority with the owners, however there appears to have been no progress with probate following a death in 2019.

“In recent years, Grappenhall Rectory has been frequently targeted by vandals and arsonists.

“Residents understandably want to see the property restored to its former glory, however with the estate currently in probate, there are effectively no avenues to mandate such works to take place.

“While I have previously written to Warrington Borough Council to request communication with the lawyers for the deceased’s estate, so as to progress the decision of the probate court, nothing has been forthcoming as of yet.”

The MP went on to request an explanation be given for the unacceptable delays and asked for the case to be expedited as a matter of urgency.