Bucks Council confirmed it has held talks with an organisation which could purchase the vacant Aylesbury High Street site where scaffolding has been blocking a pathway for eight years.

Bucks Council confirmed it has spoken with a ‘third party’ that may purchase the destroyed building next to El-Halal restaurant.

It has also been revealed that a revised structural engineer's design has now been submitted to support remedial works which could make the area safe.

Scaffolding was placed around the crumbling building in 2018 as a safety requirement after debris from the former factory’s chimney fell onto the road.

The scaffolding has been in place for over eight years

placeholder image — The scaffolding has been in place for over eight years

However, politicians and residents have raised continuous concerns over the size of the scaffolding and the safety risk it has caused in Aylesbury.

As the scaffolding extends across most of the pavement, anyone using the route on the outskirts of Aylesbury town centre is forced onto a busy road without an obvious crossing point. This is of particular concern to people pushing prams, wheelchair users, and other people with mobility issues.

Bucks Council says it explored every available option to establish who is responsible for the property to address the issue. But town councillors and other Aylesbury-based politicians have criticised a perceived lack of action to address the issue.

One campaigner, Giles Du Boulay, offered to pay for a site assessment to help accelerate the removal of the structure, but was left disappointed by the authority’s response to his proposals.

As first reported by the BBC, the pathway could soon be cleared if its proposed works are approved. This week Bucks Council did not provide an update on the assessment it has submitted when contacted by The Bucks Herald. Two weeks have passed since the authority confirmed some progress had been made in finally removing the obstacle.

Councillor Peter Strachan said: "Buckinghamshire Council does not own this site. We stepped in to install the scaffolding as an emergency measure to protect the public because the building was unsafe and there was no clearly identifiable owner able to take action.

"We know this situation has been frustrating for residents and businesses, and our priority has always been keeping people safe while working towards a solution. That's why we have explored every available option to establish who is responsible for the property and, where that has not been possible, worked hard to find another way forward. As a result, we have now made progress by entering into an agreement with a third party who is seeking to take ownership of the site.

"We have continued discussions with developers, and a revised structural engineer's design has now been submitted to support remedial works to the property. The design is currently being reviewed and, if approved, work can begin on site to provide the support needed for the remaining structure. This would be an important step towards reopening the footpath in front of the property when it is safe to do so.

"Until the ownership process is complete, we will continue to oversee the site and make sure the public remain safe."

In a 2025 petition Aylesbury MP Laura Kyrke Smith said she was ‘deeply concerned’ with the scaffolding placement. In an email addressed to the council, seen by this newspaper, one resident said: “You seem to be making a big joke of the problem which causes distress to disabled people especially.”