The work to the site at 1 Stewart’s Place in Holywood was due to begin over a month ago, however, Bangor Road in the town remains closed due to inaction and delays. The building partially collapsed last month.
“After six weeks of delays, broken promises and excuses, I am glad to see work finally commence to shore up the building, which will enable the road to be partially reopened,” said Councillor Muir.
“However, the three-day delay over the bank holiday weekend is to be condemned, as it caused more suffering for Holywood traders and residents, and was the latest in weeks of inaction and heel dragging.
“As the shoring work continues, I will continue to pressure the Council and developer to get it concluded without delay, while exploring longer-term options to get the road fully reopened, the building stabilised and normality resumed.
“Serious lessons must be learnt after this debacle, including the lack of action due to the largely informal approach adopted by the authorities. I will therefore be requesting a full report on the issue once the road is eventually reopened in order to ensure this situation is never allowed to reoccur.”