The owner of an abandoned building in an 'absolutely shocking' state near to the town hall was fined for inaction over the site.

Trafford Council issued a notice to Mastcraft Ltd under the Town and Country Planning Act which called for them to either raze or restore Charlton House.

This was in January 2020, but according to the council, the owner of the abandoned building on Chester Road took no action.

Mastcraft Ltd was taken to court and last week it was fined £1,000 for non-compliance with the notice. The magistrates at Manchester Magistrates' Court also ordered it to cover costs of £850.

A continuation of this non-compliance could result in fines of £100 every day, Trafford Council said, and there is also an option for the council to authorise the work itself then to recover costs.

Cllr Liz Patel, executive member for economy and regeneration, said: "Charlton House is in an absolutely shocking state and the council were totally justified to take the owners to court.

"This building has basically been left to rot and is a huge eyesore for the area. We will continue to press the owners to either repair or knock down this building," she added.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.