Campaigners living in a dilapidated Grade II listed 18th century mansion have raised £1,100 in less than a week towards the £200,000 needed to repair the property.
Last week the Chronicle reported that residents living in Park House in Park Road, Wem, had set up a campaign to raise money to have the building repaired while mysterious cellars were discovered that linked up much of the town.
Residents opened up the house to visitors last weekend to view the state of the property and the cellars and raised £600 through donations. A further £500 donation was received by a cheque in the post.
Campaigners were set to meet with English Heritage officials yesterday about acquiring a grant to help pay for the work, while people will be able to donate money towards the campaign via the website thehallinwem.co.uk from tomorrow (Friday).
An outdoor event is being planned to take place on Wem Recreation Ground on Thursday, December 4, to raise money.
Campaign organisers are also set to contact MP for North Shropshire, Owen Paterson, for help.
James Hawkins, organiser of the campaign, said: “The open days were really successful and we will be running them again this weekend. We hope to get help with the funding of repairs, but in the meantime we will do what we can ourselves.”
Lisa Ward, resident, said: “We had a lot of people from Wem and the surrounding areas coming to view the building over the weekend. They were very interested to look at our apartment and view some of the repairs that needed doing.”
People are once again being invited to view inside the property and the cellars on Saturday and Sunday. They can come along between 10-8pm on Saturday and 10-6pm on Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to give a £5 donation which will go towards the campaign.
If anyone would like to make a donation they can send it to Park House Appeal Fund, Apartment 2, Park House, Park Road, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5DA.
