A CALL has been made to improve the appearance of an east Cleveland village to prevent it becoming an eyesore.

Councillor Eric Howden called Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to task after properties near the entrance to Kirkleatham village have fallen into a state of disrepair.

During a council meeting the liberal democrat councillor, for the Dormanstown ward, asked what was happening with the walled garden and stable block that has been linked with the Prince’s Trust.

He asked: “What is the council doing to improve the appearance of Kirkleatham village. Two substantial properties in the approach to the village are now empty, one believed to be NHS-owned and the other council-owned.

“We do not appear to be any further forward with the stable area and walled garden, which was subject to some involvement with the Prince’s Trust.”

Councillor Mark Hannon, the council's cabinet member for environment and rural affairs, reassured members that discussions were ongoing with the Prince’s Trust and he would endeavour to try and resolve the problem as soon as possible.

In August last year, a blaze ripped through grade II-listed Kirkleatham Hall stable block, in Redcar, which dates back to the early 1700s.

The Prince’s Trust is investigating the possibility of a heritage restoration project on the historic site and have been in discussions with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to discuss the scheme.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Eric Howden hit out at the council for not being proactive in its approach to resolving the problem.

He said: “Labour’s response was that they are waiting for the Prince’s Trust to meet with them to indicate what the future might be for these buildings.

"But they gave no direction as to what they are actually doing to rectify the problem with empty residential properties. Are they just waiting for “friends” groups to do the Council’s work for it yet again.

“This borough has some brilliant friends groups which work tirelessly and for free, but the council has a responsibility to take care of its own properties.

“Kirkleatham has residential properties that have been empty for years and are now becoming an eyesore. They do not promote the village’s attractions or encourage future plans.

“Labour seem to be sitting back and waiting for someone else to do the work. Meanwhile they blame everyone but themselves for the problems.”