RESIDENTS in Andover have been left concerned about the state of the town after a crumbling building forced a shop to close and scaffolding still dominates the appearance of the high street.

As previously reported, Poundland at 11-15 High Street was closed on Thursday, August 3, after town centre visitors were alarmed when they witnessed pieces of cement falling off from the top of the three-storey building.

Reacting promptly to the situation, Poundland said it independently made the call to close the store.

The retailer has now confirmed that it has completed the remedial works.

READ MORE: Poundland Andover store closed due to safety concerns

A spokesperson told the Advertiser: “We have completed the remedial works this afternoon [Friday, August 4] to make sure any render that was at risk of falling has been removed, so the store re-opened in the last hour.  It will be open as normal tomorrow [Saturday, August 5]."

Photographs of the brickwork's deterioration had quickly spread across social media platforms, raising concerns among shoppers and residents about potential hazards.

As well as this scaffolding that was erected in June 2022 in front of Ark Hair Design and Ladbrokes still remains in place a year on. There is still no confirmation of when the work on the face of the building will be completed.

This has left residents questioning how they feel about the current state of the town centre.

The Advertiser spoke to a few of them on Monday, August 7.

SEE ALSO: Andover High Street: Poundland reopens after closure

Jackie Bachelor said she isn’t happy with how the town is.

She added: "If I am really honest Andover town centre is dying and I now don’t personally shop in Andover at all.

“I think it’s like a lot of other high streets with all the shops closing and I think this is really since Covid."

She said people do need to be more tolerable when it comes to building work that needs to be carried out. 

Carole Davies and Pat Woodley said they visit regularly.

They added: “I do think it’s really sad to see the town like this but I think the problem is it’s happening all over the place.

“It does make us sad because Andover was a thriving and lovely town and now we have fewer shops and we always see them closing."

Despite this borough councillor Iris Andersen said that she was really impressed with how quickly the crumbling building problem was sorted. 

READ ALSO: Ark Hair Design affected as scaffolding covers shopfront

Cllr Andersen said she understands people are frustrated with the problems in the town centre including the scaffolding but she thinks it’s good to look at the positives.

She thinks the town has a lot going for it including all of the events that happen regularly.

She said: “I don’t want the negatives of our town to be the focus. We have a lot of independent businesses who have opened and are keeping us going."

Steve Godwin, from the Andover BID, said: "BID is aware of the recent issues faced by local businesses due to building maintenance concerns. Our focus is on supporting, promoting, and advocating for businesses within the town and while we empathise with the challenges experienced by Poundland and the Save It discount store, it's important to clarify that building maintenance and landlord responsibilities fall under the individual property owners. The local authority, Test Valley Borough Council are also aware of the situation.

"We as BID, actively engage with businesses and landlords to address concerns where possible, exemplified by our current ongoing efforts to collaborate with property owners regarding scaffolding at Ladbrokes and the Ark hairdressers' location on the High Street. Our role revolves around promoting a vibrant business environment and acting as a voice for local businesses. We remain committed to supporting businesses through advocacy and collaboration within the scope of our responsibilities at a time when businesses are facing some tough challenges."

A spokesperson from Test Valley Borough Council said: "Responsibility for maintenance and works to the exterior of shops and other units in the centre of Andover, in most cases lies with the relevant landlord. We will respond as quickly as possible if we receive reports regarding the state of buildings in the town and will liaise with tenants and owners so that any structural issues are addressed. We are in contact with the manager of Poundland to do what we can to encourage a swift completion of works to the exterior of that building. Where listed buildings are concerned, the council’s conservation team will also be involved.

"We are keen to see a well-maintained and flourishing town centre; council projects, ranging in scope from the ambitious Masterplan and our improvements to Town Mills, to our wide range of events and activities, Second Sundays markets and the recent additions of ‘parklets’, illustrate our proactive investment in the town centre. We also show through support through close working with Andover Vision and a range of town centre partners including the BID."