A HISTORIC building which has been the subject of controversy for many years in Warrington will be put on the market soon.

Concerns have been raised by residents over the continuing deterioration of Grappenhall Rectory, based on Church Lane, which has been left derelict for decades.

The Grade II-listed building has been slammed as an ‘eyesore’ and a ‘blight’ by locals in the past.

And around four years ago it entered probate after its former owner died.

This left the council’s hands tied as to ordering for repair works to be undertaken on the rapidly declining building as the courts reached a conclusion on the probate.

Back in May, former Warrington South MP Andy Carter wrote to the national services director at His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) to demand an update on the former rectory.

Within the letter he highlighted how residents have become ‘appalled’ with the state of the building over the years and detailed how vandals and arsonists had “frequently targeted” the site.

He requested an explanation for “unacceptable delays” in relation to the probate case and asked for it to be “expedited as a matter of urgency”.

It has been the subject of controversy for years as it has been left to deteriorateIt has been the subject of controversy for years as it has been left to deteriorate (Image: NQ) However, in a more positive and recent update on Grappenhall Rectory, Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council announced the news of plans for the building to go up for sale.

In a post on its Facebook page, the parish council declared “a solution appears now to be in sight”.

A spokesperson for the parish council said: “Councillors Helen Speed and Mark Browne have been working closely with Warrington Borough Council and a family member for a number of years on the future of this Grade II listed building and are cautiously optimistic that a solution appears now to be in sight.

“In a recent meeting, the family member advised the Parish Council that they expect to put the Old Rectory on the market in the next three months.”

It was also stated that a further meeting would be held to discuss plans before Christmas.

This news was met with praise from residents, with one individual commenting on the post: “Brilliant news thank you to the councillors.”

Meanwhile the Grappenhall and Thelwall Neighbourhood Plan group shared the statement to its page, encouraging residents to vote for the neighbourhood plan to ensure “this beautiful building is restored to its former glory for the enjoyment of generations to come”.