Work to improve one of Stoke-on-Trent's oldest homes is set to begin soon after a legal notice ordering urgent action was served.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has issued a legal S215 notice which means it is an offence not to comply.

Dating back to the 19th century Ford Green House, not to be confused with the nearby Ford Green Hall is not a listed building but is non-designated heritage asset. In recent years there have been attempts to demolish the property. However each time they have been blocked.

Since 2012 there have been three fires on the site which had led to the property to become 'structurally unsound and a dangerous structure' according to previous planning applications. Earlier this year an illegal encampment was established and the council had to instruct bailiffs to remove the encampment and dispose of the waste.

The building has been vacant since 2007, during that time the property has fallen into disrepair and has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour.

The notice requires action covering the severe disrepair, public amenity and work to repair and secure the site within six months of the order taking effect.

Ford Green House has been vacant since 2007 (image via LDRS)

The notice requires eight actions to be taken including the damaged roof to be repaired and rebuilt to match the existing sections, repair and replace all damaged gutters, and securing of the property. The notice warns that failure to comply could result in a fine.

Additionally if the property owner fails to comply the council could carry out the work and recover the costs. The legal order could be appealed, however this needs to be done before the order comes into effect on 10 November.

Over the years a number of campaigns and petitions have been made encouraging the council to take action to preserve the heritage of the building and to tackle antisocial behaviour on the site. Dog walker Allison Grocott said: "I've seen a notice has been put up.

"It is about time something was done, the building is an eyesore at the moment if they are not going to knock it down they need to do something with it. Anything that can be done to improve it has got to be a good thing."

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We're taking firm action against absentee owners. Let this be a clear warning – if you own a heritage building, you're responsible for maintaining it properly.

"Despite being given multiple opportunities over many years, the owner has failed to make the building safe and secure. The building has stood vacant since 2007 and has fallen into serious disrepair. It has also become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour.

"The notice now issued requires urgent action. The owner must carry out essential repairs within a set timeframe, including securing all openings and boundaries and preventing further deterioration."