The owners of the building have pleaded guility in court for failing to make repairs to the historic building

Court action has been taken out against the owner of a building that is falling apart. The former Franks Butchers in Market Place, Wisbech has been left to fall into disrepair.

The Whitfield Group, the building’s owners, has been prosecuted by Fenland District Council for failing to make improvements to the building within two months. At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on February 17, the Whitfield Group pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the order, which was issued in March last year.

The owners had done some work on the site. Councillor Dee Laws, portfolio holder for planning, said: “We hope this action sends a message to all owners of heritage buildings in Fenland that we won’t stand by and watch them degrade.

“And that now the owners of this building will do the right thing and take the action we’ve ordered to preserve this important building’s future.” The owners now must comply with the order.

The council will work with the owners to agree a reasonable, as soon as possible, deadline for the works to be achieved. While in court, the owners were ordered to pay £810 for not complying with the order. If they fail to meet the next deadline, they could face further prosecution and a daily fine of up to £500.

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