REPAIR work has started on a Dunstable town centre building that was dangerous to the public and has caused probllems for one man’s livelihood for more than a year.
Scaffolding was erected on 5 High Street South in March last year due to debris falling from the side of the property, while Central Bedfordshire Council traced the owner of the building in order to carry out essential repairs.
But the unsightly steel structure obstructed the site of a small aerial installation and clock-repairing business, covering it almost completely from view.
The council admit the process has been difficult, and say that after protracted negotiations and legal complications, contractors appointed by the building’s owners have started restoration work.
The Gazette reported in May 2011 that irate shoppers petitioned the council to remove scaffolding that had been erected.
Huseyin Sensoy said at the time that his Electroplus business had been drastically affected, as customers thought he had shut down due to the scaffolding eclipsing his next-door shop.
This week, Mr Sensoy said: “I’m doing all right but of course it will be better when the scaffolding is gone. It’s horrible.”
Repairs are expected to take some weeks to complete as several parts of the building need to be rebuilt. Councillor Brian Spurr, member for sustainable communities, said: “This has been a long, hard process but our building control team’s tenacity has ensured that this building will be restored.
It has been a real safety issue and eyesore for Dunstable’s residents and we are delighted that our hard work has paid off and the work has begun.”