HOMEOWNERS on a Knutsford street which has been blighted by an on-going building project have been told the matter is out of the council’s hands.

Robert Temple, 47, owns 2 Sparrow Lane, in Knutsford, which has seen much controversy over the past six years because of issues over the safety of the building.

A court order was made in June 2010 demanding part of the building was made safe, and this was carried out.

He told the Guardian in August 2010 that he would make sure the building would be in ‘100 per cent’ condition before moving in.

However, residents have been left frustrated after a lack of improvement in the building, and the current state of the house has even led to one neighbour moving out of the area.

Clr Hunter said she had done as much as she could, and it was now a civil matter between neighbours and Mr Temple.

“It’s frustrating, and I think the council should take over the property and put it in good repair and then have the authority to sell it,” she said.

“It’s now a civil matter. I’ve had an enforcement officer come down twice and they have said the building is safe, despite it not looking like it is safe. As a result there was nothing he could do.

“I feel for those residents who live there and I’ve tried my best – this is the wall I come up against.”

The Guardian was unable to contact Robert Temple at the time of going to press.