RESIDENTS trying to improve the appearance of their village are annoyed an empty garage is turning into an eyesore and a target for vandals.The garage, leased by Jewells in Wickham Market, became vacant in October 2004 when the company suddenly left without warning.

RESIDENTS trying to improve the appearance of their village are annoyed an empty garage is turning into an eyesore and a target for vandals.

The garage, leased by Jewells in Wickham Market, became vacant in October 2004 when the company suddenly left without warning.

The showroom, cottage and a large plot of land have remained empty since then and there are smashed windows, broken glass, piles of tyres and weeds.

The garage occupies a prominent position on the High Street and is visible for everyone entering the village from the Woodbridge direction.

The parish council is trying to establish who is responsible for maintaining the property and when it will be cleared up.

Cath Caudwell, parish council clerk, said: ''The cottage has already been vandalised and there is a general concern that if this site is left as it is, that it will get worse.

“The owner of the site maintains that the leaseholder still has the current lease and that is why I have written to the Official Receiver but I have not had a reply yet.

“There is an air of neglect when you come into the village at a time when we are trying to improve Wickham Market all the time. We can not get onto the site to do anything and therefore we have hit a brick wall with this.”

The village has had a garage since the 1920s and villagers say they are disappointed they no longer have the facility.

The owner and Mark Jewell have been unavailable for comment.