BUSINESSES and static home owners are urged to add their names to a growing petition calling for action over a boarded-up village pub.

The call comes from Wincham resident Pamela Lavers, who started the petition because of her concern at the deteriorating condition of the former Black Greyhound.

The empty building is on the main road between Wincham and Northwich, at the junction of Church Street and Hall Lane, and is a prominent landmark.

Miss Lavers, from Church Street, decided to start the petition in a bid to put pressure on the building’s owners to do something about it.

The petition calls for the former pub to be demolished or redeveloped, and has been signed by about 300 people after being placed at the Spar Shop in Linnards Lane, off Church Street, Wincham.

Miss Lavers has also placed the petition at the Crusty Cob cafe in Chapel Street for Lower Wincham residents.

The clipboard with the petition form at the Spar shop is on the counter next to where people pay, beneath a Guardian article about the petition, and the petition at the cafe is on a wall with advertisement postcards.

“The Crusty Cob is near the Ashwood Park static home site in Chapel Street and Wincham Industrial Estate, and we would welcome the support of any local businesses and people from Ashwood Park,” said Miss Lavers.

“I want to get as many names on the petition as I can in order to show the strength of feeling in the village about the Black Greyhound.”

She said she was pleased with the number of people who have signed the petition, but felt there was potential for more signatures, and the petitions will be available to be signed for two more weeks.

The agent for the owners of the building was invited to attend the last meeting of Wincham Parish Council to discuss the future of the empty building, but was unable to attend because of a family illness.

The parish council agreed to write to Cheshire West and Chester Council about the condition of the building and the surrounding footpaths.