SCAFFOLDING will remain on a listed building in Oswestry for the foreseeable future, after Shropshire Council was unable to confirm when it will be removed.
The structure has encompassed the Grade II-listed Cambrian Railway Station building in Oswald Road for more than a year after the roof was damaged by a storm.
Shropshire Council initially targeted this summer for the removal of the scaffolding from the building, which can be seen as road users traveling into Oswestry town centre from the north.
Councillor Dean Carroll, Cabinet member for housing and assets was unable to put a date on the completion of the works but said the council was aiming for ‘as soon as possible’.
He added: “Following storm damage in March 2022, Shropshire Council has been carrying out some reactive works to the Grade II listed building.
“The scaffolding was installed for public safety and roof access, and is now incorporated into the project cost.
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“Unfortunately, these remedial works uncovered further unforeseen technical and conservation issues with the building which have required further testing and investigations.
“We hope these are completed as soon as possible.”
The building is occupied by volunteers from Cambrian Heritage Railway (CHR) and hosts its ticket office and platform for the return journeys to Weston Wharf and Stonehouse Brewery.
There is also a waiting room, plus a gift shop.
The building was damaged after the UK was hit by three named storms in the space of three days as Storm Dudley arrived on February 16/17, Storm Eunice on February 18 and Storm Franklin on February 20.
The work on the building has been criticised by residents in Oswestry, forcing Shropshire Council to work on keeping access through the scaffolding open to people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters or with pushchairs.
The scaffolding has been present since CHR reopened the line for its trips in April 2022.
Volunteers from CHR have previously said they are looking forward to the building being scaffold-free.
Station manager Angie Sanderson said: “This here is important to Oswestry because it is heritage,” she said.
“I’m very keen to keep a train and station here because there’s a great opportunity over the years to preserve the building.”
She added: “The work is being done is important because this building is part of Oswestry as anything.
“When you drive in, you do see the scaffolding first but once that’s gone, you will see a beautiful building with the platform and the trains.”
The scaffolding has been put at a previously reported cost of £17,000.
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