Scaffolding up ahead of work on 'dilapidated' eyesore former Costa in Ludlow
Scaffolding has gone up around the eyesore 'dilapidated' former Ludlow Costa building.
Last month Ludlow Town Council said it had become increasingly concerned about the serious risks to public safety in King Street arising from the "dangerously dilapidated condition of the former Costa Coffee premises".
The town council asked Shropshire Council take action over the issue, to prevent possible injury.
The King Street coffee shop closed back in May 2023.
The issue was also highlighted by Councillor Andy Boddington in September, when he pledged to raise the issue with Shropshire Council.
He said: "The former Costa Coffee at 4-5 King Street is one of most disgraceful buildings in Shropshire, let alone Ludlow.
"It is an eyesore and work by contractors has not improved its appearance. After nearly two years of discussions and no significant action, it has decayed to the point it is becoming dangerous."
Responding at the time Shropshire Council said it had held discussions with the owner of the building and that work would begin soon.
It added that the building was not considered "dangerous".
It does now appear that progress is being made on the site with scaffolding now surrounding the facade of the building.
In its statement last month Shropshire Concil said that work would begin "once scaffolding is in place".
It added: "The owners have advised that as well as repairing the building they also want to paint more of it, to improve its appearance, However, as part of the building sticks out over a narrow road they’ll need special scaffolding for this, and it makes sense to do this later, along with bigger planned improvements, to minimise disruption.
"The owner is planning to repair and reuse the whole building, including the empty bank next door. They want to turn the top floors into homes and have commercial space below.
"They’re now working with architects on designs and hope to share their plans with the council soon. We will then work closely with them to help ensure that the planned work is carried out as quickly as possible."
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