The scaffolding erected at the Dangerous Building at 3 West St Helen Street does mean the building is unlikely to fall on anybody, but has unfortunately created accessibility problems. There is no pedestrian or vehicle access through the alleyway to the courtyard behind. The lack of ramps on either side of West St Helen Street, and the narrowed roadway make it difficult for mobility scooters etc. .
The recent removal of the scaffolding in front of Howden – the Insurance Broker – has improved the building’s visibility. It is now easier to see the friendly faces of the people inside, as well as two boards with local community information. I can also see Howden are celebrating Halloween and have a scheme where ‘people will be able to visit and swap a pair of football boots that no longer fit, for a pair that do.’
P.S. The following picture is the one described by Michael Harrison in the comment.
The building 7-9 High Street looks modern but it has a history. While briefly disused during 2008 I took many photographs from cellar to rooftop to help preserve the building’s history. One I thought striking was of clear writing on a roof timber: ” This was my job to straiten (sic) up, January 11th 1864. J.B. Nicolls, Abingdon.”
Michael Harrison