SEVEN months have passed since a listed building was partially destroyed by thieves who drove a tractor into a wall in an attempt to steal a cash machine.

Beaminster is still waiting for repairs at The Square after the failed raid on the ATM at the side of Chris Chapman Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture in August 2018.

The building on the Fleet Street corner of The Square has been surrounded by scaffolding since the incident, which has resulted in the road being diverted onto the car parking spaces in The Square.

An update given back in January suggested work could start this month, and it was explained that the delay was due to the fact the building is Grade II-listed and Historic England and other authorities need to be satisfied with plans to restore it.

But it's unlikely progress will be made any time soon, and county councillor for Beaminster, Rebecca Knox, has said the situation is ‘very frustrating.’

Posting on social media, Cllr Knox said she wants to see the road and The Square returned to normal as soon as possible.

“The issue of the work needed to restore the building on The Square affected by damage caused by the failed attempt to raid the ATM is ongoing,” said Cllr Knox. “This is in the hands of the insurers of the building.

“My understanding is they are still awaiting a final project plan, which needs to be submitted to planning authorities due to the building being Grade II-listed.

“Highways and I need to know the plan because we want, and residents want, the road back to normal and the parking in all of The Square returned. It appears that the scheme to put the building right needs warmer weather due to the need to use laying of stone in lime. Historic England are the key determinant from my assessment.”

Cllr Knox went on to say the issue is ‘not just about the building’ as plans to repair road surfaces along Hogshill Street, Fleet Street, Woodswater Lane and others are also being delayed as result of the wait.

“There is a lot being delayed which is very frustrating,” she said. “All these roads and streets are being delayed and it’s not right for residents and other users and visitors. Historic England, please be pragmatic and have some common sense.”

Historic England says an engineer appointed by the building’s insurers disagreed with the advice given by its specialists.

A spokesman for Historic England said: “9 The Square is a Grade II* listed building which contains much historic and original fabric that is important to protect. Historic England’s role in this case to provide specialist technical advice, and we have reacted promptly and efficiently to all advice requests since the damage first occurred.

"In the first instance,our structural engineer liaised with the council’s building control and conservation teams, helping to ensure rapid protection for the building and that emergency stabilisation works didn’t cause any further damage. In October we provided further advice at the council’s request, and were invited to site in early January to discuss repairs. Our structural engineer and a historic building inspector attended and an appropriate repair scheme was agreed. Two months later, an engineer appointed by the building’s insurers contacted us disagreeing with the advice given by our specialists. Discussions are currently taking place to work these issues through so that the rebuilding can be taken forward."