Newsagents Martin McColl ordered to take action to make safe “potentially lethal” guttering

AN AXMINSTER shop dubbed a hazard to pedestrians has been served with a dangerous structure notice.

Guttering hanging from the walls at Martin McColls newsagents, in Vitoria Place, was branded “potentially lethal” by town councillor Douglas Hull.

He said the drainpipe could drop off on top of people at any moment and called for urgent action to make it safe.

Now his plea has been taken up by officials at East Devon District Council.

A spokeswoman there confirmed that their building control manager has served a dangerous structure notice on the company – which has newsagents shops across the country - and it was understood that a scaffolding licence has been applied for.

“We are hopeful therefore of progress here,” she added.

McColls has declined to comment on the state of the Axminster store.

A spokeswoman previously told The Herald that any official complaint from the council would be looked at by their health and safety department.