‘The delay is frustrating for us all, but we are determined to continue pushing for a solution,’Beaminster town council has said in response to growing concern over progress in the town.

It has been over a month since criminals attempted to steal a cashpoint in the town, leaving a building partially destroyed.

Last week, we reported business owners in the town are worried about the impact the ongoing repair work is having on trade.

Beaminster Town Council says it is ‘as keen as everyone else’ to get the town back to normal as quickly as possible.

A spokesman for the town council said: “It is, of course, easy to criticise, especially when there is so little ‘visible’ progress. For instance, the pile of rubble and the waste bin are constant reminders to everyone as is the traffic flow in and out of the Square and up and down Fleet Street.

“The challenge is that in situations like this, there are often many parties involved and, understandably, they may have differing priorities. Our role in the town council is largely limited to an advisory capacity.

"We will continue to apply pressure and to represent the views and needs of our local businesses and residents to try and get the right outcome. The delay is frustrating for us all but we are determined to continue pushing for a solution that works for the town in both the short and the long term.”

Last month, West Dorset District Council approved parking concessions in a bid to encourage visitors to the town while work continues to clean up and repair the wall of the former bank.

The committee was told temporary traffic lights and a one-way system have resulted in a loss of parking at The Square and visitors are being put off by the the appearance of restricted parking and the traffic controls.

Residents have since expressed anger over what they have described as an ‘unsatisfactory’ traffic management scheme.

“Our town is still alive and working, the shops are still offering the same high-quality produce and service as before,” added the spokesman.