THE owner of a bridal boutique in Northwich town centre says her business is suffering due to unsightly scaffolding which has been outside the library since last summer.

Gwen’s Bridal is located right by Northwich Library, which had scaffolding erected last year to ‘protect the building and the public’ as part of a renovation project.

Gwen Jackson, who owns the bridal boutique, said the ‘eyesore’ has been up for far too long with no apparent work taking place at the library.

“You can’t see up the alleyway – the scaffolding is outside my front door,” she said.

“People can’t stop and look in the window anymore because the passage is now too narrow, so everyone is waiting and then trying to rush past.

Northwich Guardian:

“It’s a beautiful boutique which is now an eyesore.”

And Gwen says the scaffolding is also affecting her customers.

She explained: “They are stood there in a beautiful wedding dress looking out at scaffolding, it’s off-putting and it’s been going on since May.”

Banners have been erected to make sure people know Gwen’s shop is open for business as usual and she has praised Adam Gerrard from Northwich BID team for his support.

Northwich Guardian:

Councillor Richard Beacham, cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: “The council is committed to investing in our library service, and we see Northwich’s beautiful and historic library building as one of the centre pieces of the regeneration plans for the town centre.

“We have committed £2 million of funding to enhance the current library service and make it a new multi-use community space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“We are currently completing a feasibility study on the building and as part of the survey work we have discovered some problems with the rear of the building that requires attention.

“The scaffolding has been erected to protect the building and the public.

“It will be removed when the renovation of the building is completed.

“Funding for the renovation project has already been set aside in the council’s budget, but because the work is still at feasibility stage it is difficult for us to give a definitive timescales for completion.

“Project officers from the council have been in contact with neighbouring businesses to update them on the project, and they will continue to do so as the work programme develops.”