Third anniversary of ‘temporary’ traffic lights in Chapel-en-le-Frith - which have cost 'huge sums' of taxpayers' money

In February 2021 structural engineers warned High Peak Borough Council the bowing front wall of 9 High Street posed a serious risk to road users, pedestrians and neighbouring property owners.

The council installed wooden buttress to support the wall, obstructing traffic in one direction and requiring the installation of temporary traffic lights.

Now, three years on nothing has happened with the building and the temporary traffic lights, and the fences and the litter are still there.

In 2021 the council exercised its powers under the Building Acts to deal with the immediate issue of the dangerous structure.

They said they had some very positive dialogue with the owner in terms of commissioning a structural survey and determining the cause of the problem and the necessary steps to remedy it.Peter Leppard, clerk for Chapel-en-le-Frith parish council, said: “This is HPBC's issue to manage. Of course, the Parish Council is keen to see it resolved as soon as possible.

High Peak MP Robert Largan said: “The traffic lights have now been in place for three years, causing traffic delays, costing huge sums of taxpayers' money and being an eyesore in the centre of the town.

“Frankly, the way this has been handled by High Peak Borough Council is appalling and should be taught in textbooks as how not to deal with a planning enforcement issue.

“Councillor Kath Sizeland and I have been pushing for action for years now.

“I understand that there have been difficulties with finding a builder that can carry out the work.

"However, the Council tell me that they are hopeful that work can start in the Spring.

“It's extremely disappointing that the issue has been allowed to drag on for so long.”

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: “As a Council we share the concerns of local residents regarding the length of time it is taking to resolve this issue. The Council has served the private owners of the property with a Notice under S215 of the Town and Country Planning Act which requires the owner to repair the building by July this year.”