A multi-million pound regeneration of a Telford shopping centre has been postponed following delays in securing a pharmacy in the area.
A multi-million pound regeneration of a Telford shopping centre has been postponed following delays in securing a pharmacy in the area.
The centre of Leegomery was devastated almost three years ago by a massive fire. The blaze, blamed on an electrical fault, ripped through a Spar shop, post office, pharmacy and other properties in Leegate Avenue.
Many residents had been eagerly awaiting the start of work by developer Redrow to build five new shops, 71 homes and a day care facility for the charity Listen & Care.
But after initial signs of activity in February, when a giant excavator moved on site and the Thomas Telford pub was demolished, residents say there now appears to be nothing going on.
Dead
Resident Ann Mansell, 59, of Halifax Drive, said: “We want to know what’s going on. Our centre is dead. It was a meeting place for a lot of people. It’s very quiet now and we are frightened to go out at night. We want our centre back. It was busy before. We feel like we’re being left in the dark about what’s going on.”
Catherine Wyld, 56, of Aintree Close, said: “The workmen seem to do a little bit and then stop.
“But a lot of people are depending on these shops to be built - especially elderly people.
“They knocked down the pub and they were going to move the chemist but they haven’t. It’s all stopped.
“There’s not been any work done for months now - since February or early March.”
David Morgan, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, reassured residents that work would be starting as soon as the pharmacy was moved next to the Leegomery doctor’s surgery.
by Janine
Griffiths
He said it was hoped this would be completed this month.
“This involves putting in a temporary pad (surface) next to the doctor’s surgery and we are now waiting for E-on to install a mains connection before relocating the pharmacy itself.
“This last move will enable the council to transfer the whole development site to the developer Redrow.”
A spokesperson for Redrow said: “Once Redrow are in possession of the site the redevelopment works will proceed in accordance with the contractual timetables concentrating first on the provision of the new community facilities including the replacement shops with apartments above.
“Thereafter the remainder of the new homes will be progressed in line with local market needs.”
