WORK to remove scaffolding put up more than two years ago in Andover's high street has once again been delayed.

The scaffolding, erected in front of Ark Hair Design and Ladbrooks in June 2022 was due to be removed earlier this year, with work expected to be complete in July.

However, despite joint efforts from Andover BID and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), the scaffolding is still in place outside the shops with no date set for removal.

READ MORE: Light at end of the tunnel for High Street scaffolding

Shelley Coburn, Andover BID manager, said that the organisation was informed that 'everything was in place' for work to commence, however, the contractor 'went silent'.

The work on the building includes structural repair works to the top right-hand side of the front elevation and associated internal remedial works in order to stabilise and make the building safe. 

It is expected to take approximately 12 weeks.

Ms Coburn said that she is 'currently working with TVBC and their legal department to keep the pressure on to get a resolution'.

She added that in July, the head of building surveying at Entain, owner of Ladbrokes, told her that he 'acknowledges' the frustration of residents and that a contractor would be appointed 'within the month'.

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'Various complex obstacles' including planning requirements for the listed property have been named by Ladbrokes, BID and TVBC for causing delays in the removal of the scaffolding.

The owner of hair salon Ark Hair Design, Gerald Kingsley previously told the Advertiser that it was damaging his business.

He added: "The scaffolding has been up here since June 2022. It’s an eyesore anyway, but now they’ve wrapped the scaffolding in plastic, it hides my shop from view from the high street. It’s affected my day-to-day business."

Residents have also expressed concerns about the longevity of the work being carried out. One said the scaffolding is an 'ugly eyesore wrecking businesses'.

Another added: "It needs to come down."

The Advertiser has contacted Entain for further information.