Press release from Rosie Cooper's office:
'MP Rosie Cooper is pleased to report there has been significant progress on the problem scaffolding that has blighted Bridge Street in Ormskirk.
This week has seen the demolition of the wall which has been propped up by scaffolding for many years. This has meant residents were not able to use the footpath, and neighbours have complained that the scaffolding was both an inconvenience and an eyesore.
MP Rosie contacted West Lancashire Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, TAS Scaffolding, Sutton Kersh Ltd. and Countrywide Estate Management on behalf of residents many, many times.
Sutton Kersh had been the managing agents on behalf of the Bridge House Residents Association Ltd, but this changed to Countrywide Estate Management following their acquisition of Sutton Kersh.
This changed again, in 2019, to HML Group.
Rosie Cooper MP said: “The Structural Engineer’s report I have seen explains that the old retaining wall was poorly designed and constructed and an outward lean had developed, necessitating the erection of the scaffolding.”
HML had confirmed to MP Rosie earlier this year that in line with Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 they had issued notices to collect the cost of the necessary work from owners, and that work would commence upon receipt.
MP Rosie Cooper commented: “Even the removal of the scaffolding hasn’t been without incident as TAS Scaffolding weren’t aware the scaffolding was coming down and wrote to say ‘We are not being held responsible as our scaffolding has been taken down by a third party illegally and not anyone employed by us.’
“Nonetheless, residents will be pleased that following the removal of the scaffolding, Preston firm Imacadam are now on site and have now taken down the unsafe wall.
I hope the wall is rebuilt quickly and that the footpath will once again open to residents.
Residents have long had to put up with unsightly and obtrusive scaffolding along Bridge Street for far too long.'