A new community action group has vowed to speed the process up to rid a high street of scaffolding described as an "ongoing blight".

The scaffolding, which is located at 9 Norwich Street in Fakenham, has been in place since 2019 when it was installed to prop up the cracked building.

People in the town described the scaffolding as being overrun by vermin and "killing" off business in the high street.

9 Norwich Street has been covered in scaffolding for five years. 9 Norwich Street has been covered in scaffolding for five years. (Image: Google Maps)
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The scaffolding is also a safety concern as it forces pedestrians onto the road and makes the pathway inaccessible for wheelchair users.

In a report to Fakenham Town Council, Liz Vickers, district councillor for the Lancaster South ward, said efforts had been made to create a footpath through the scaffolding. 

However, engineers advised against the work.

Her report said: "Following further inspections and input by the workers, structural engineering advice was taken. 

"That advice was that the scaffolding should remain as it is, making a walk-through option impossible at this stage."

Now, a community action group of councillors, shop owners and people living in Fakenham are joining forces to deal with the building's dilapidation and restore 9 Norwich Street.

Ms Vickers said: “In my opinion, 9 Norwich Street is an eyesore and an ongoing blight on the town centre.

Liz Vickers has described the building as an ongoing blight to the town centre.Liz Vickers has described the building as an ongoing blight to the town centre. (Image: North Norfolk District Council)
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"My aim is to get it fixed so that the scaffolding can be removed altogether, and it can once more become a useful and attractive building.

"To this end concerned residents, shop owners and councillors have joined together to form a community action group to revitalise Fakenham town centre.

"Our first aim is to address the dilapidation of 9 Norwich Street. It has been dragging on for five years now.

"I realise it is a complex case, but my view is that with some political will, the council could resolve this more quickly.

"Right now, it seems to be moving at a glacial pace."