Celebrations as store repairs begin after two-year campaign

Bury Society Chairman, Martyn Taylor, sees action after voicing concerns

By Chris Morris, chris.morris@iliffepublishing.co.uk

There were celebrations this week as work began to a historic building in Bury St Edmunds.

The Bury Free Press first highlighted the rapidly deteriorating frontage of Greggs in Abbeygate Street, in March this year. It followed concerns by former town councillor Tom Murray, who feared the Grade II+ listed building could be dangerous due to blocked guttering, badly rotting timber and windows and plaster in need of repair.

His call for action was answered by Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides and The Bury Society, a charity which after the interests of the town. They dubbed the building ‘a disgrace and an embarrassment’.

Last Thursday, scaffolding was installed and investigations are now under way into what can be repaired, restored and what may need replacing.

Mr Murray said: “I’m thrilled. Better late than never. I have been contacting Greggs about the state of The building for two years and sending them pictures and videos. I can’t wait for it to get back to its former glory because it is in one of our best streets in Bury St Edmunds. “

Adrian Tindall, chair of Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides, said: “I’m delighted that Greggs have responded to requests to do something to the building as it is so important, and in such a prominent position. There are specialists doing the work so l am confident that they will do a very good job.  Looking after historic buildings is much more difficult, more time consuming, more complex than ordinary buildings, but I am very optimistic”

Martyn Taylor, chair of The Bury Society, said: “It is good that it is going ahead. Let’s just hope they do a good job.”

The work is being carried out by Emmerson Critchley Ltd, which specialises in traditional building techniques for heritage and modern properties. It is understood that the Woolpit-based company stepped up to handle the whole project after talks between Greggs and another contractor fell through.

Scaffolding is expected to be in place for a minimum of six to eight months. A time scale to complete the work has not set while investigations are under way.

Mark Cordell, CEO of Our Bury Edmunds (BID), said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the response from Greggs in starting repair of the building as a consequence the actions of Tom Murray, The Tour Guides, The Bury Society and Bury Free Press. “