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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kenny Macdonald

Demolition workers bringing down derelict Dumfries town centre building hit a snag

Demolition workers have hit a snag during their bid to bring down a derelict building in Dumfries town centre.

The roof of the Treasure Cave in English Street has been removed but a “wobbling” chimney is causing concern.

And there are fears that it could fall down and damage a neighbouring property.

Westlakes Demolition boss Kyle Barlow said: “Work has been going well and we have got through the front and removed the roof.

“But there is a chimney which is collapsing. There is a big crack in it and it is wobbling like a jelly.

Work continues on the demolition of an unsafe building in English Street (Jim McEwan)

“The damage has come from when a beam collapsed recently and the problem is that the chimney could collapse onto the roof of Taddei’s Takeaway next door.”

David Taddei, owner of the shop, said: “The chimney could also fall onto the back of my shop and into the close as well. I am still waiting on news from my insurers and have been left in the lurch a bit. I am losing £100 to £200 a day and still have bills to pay even though I am shut.

“It is just a frustrating time. I come down here every day to see what the progress is.

“The roof fell onto the road and pavement below and it’s just as well I was shut when that happened and nobody got hurt.

“It all goes back to when that beam fell a few weeks back and pierced a wall right next to the chimney and the back of one of my walls.

“The chimney looks dangerous and I think a high wind could even bring it down and I don’t know how many floors it would punch through.

“The demolition guys thought I could reopen early next week, but we will just have to see what happens.”

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