LONG-SUFFERING Broad Street traders have slammed the owners of a scaffold-clad property for a ‘lack of respect’ for their businesses.
Urgent work on the Grade II listed Poundland building at Angel House was carried out after it closed in May 2021 for renovations.
However, storms in November caused the building to be at risk of partial collapse and led to large scaffolding panels to be wrapped around it, effectively partially blocking part of Broad Street.
Despite financial support from Worcester City Council at the end of last year, a number of small businesses in Lower Broad Street have revealed they have suffered an impact on trade as a result of the structure.
Irate business owners such as Tim Evans from Toys and Games of Worcester have been in regular contact with building owners the Crown Estate to plead for their help in ensuring their business can continue to attract customers.
But after the owners confirmed the front roof needs to be removed along with strengthening works to the foundations and columns – therefore delaying a wrap being put over the scaffolding, Mr Evans revealed his and other traders’ anger.
In an e-mail seen by the Observer, Mr Evans wrote: “We have lived with disruption for over a year now, and this serious impediment to our livelihoods for over six months.
“There is still no wrap on the scaffold, there are still abandoned barriers on Broad Street. This is unacceptable. Simply kicking the can down the street will not wash any longer.
“You have made no serious effort to engage, assist or recompense traders on lower Broad Street.
“We live and work in Worcester, we are proud to do so. We will not put up with this any longer,” he added.
As a result, Mr Evans has revealed a ‘work party’ of friends, family, retailers, employees, customers and their families will be on site on June 15 to tidy up the area and move the abandoned barriers to the unused area by Merrivale House.
“If you can’t treat Worcester with respect, the people of Worcester will do it for you. We will not put up with this anymore,” he said.
A response is awaited from the Crown Estate
