Burt calls for action in Parliament on Powergen

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Jul 2010

Solihull MP Lorely Burt has asked for a debate on empty property rates, following residents' complaints about the state of the former Powergen site in Shirley.

Speaking earlier today in Parliament Mrs Burt accused ASDA, who own the site, of leading it to 'rack and ruin.' They have allowed the location to degrade to such an extent that it no longer was required to pay rates, and the Exchequer now owes ASDA £2m in fees that they will be able to claw back from the taxpayer.

Lorely Burt said,

"People in Shirley deserve better and I hope that when the Parkgate development planning application comes up for consideration, some sort of requirement is put for ASDA to rectify this insult. The very people who have to see this eyesore everyday are the same people who ASDA expect to shop at their store. They should have more respect for them."