Business owner 'gutted' over building demolition

A business owner says he was "gutted" to watch his shop be torn down after the building was deemed "unsafe".

Emergency services were called to Saffron Lane in Leicester on Tuesday afternoon after debris from a property fell on to the pavement, and nearby buildings were subsequently evacuated.

Three commercial properties were due to be demolished following an assessment by Leicester City Council, but contractors managed to stabilise two of them after the first was torn down.

The demolished building was home to tanning salon Bronze Boutique, owned by Reece Thomas.

"I've had the business since November, so I've been building it up and trying to get more customers," he said.

The 25-year-old said customers had been messaging him to ask about courses they have booked, adding: "Hopefully, I'll transfer them to my other shop.

"It's going to be hard work and time consuming."

Mr Thomas said he appreciated the support from the community, adding: "It's nice, considering I've only been here a few months.

"I'll come back bigger and better."

The city council said about 25 displaced residents and business and building owners had since found alternative accommodation.

The authority said the property on the corner of Clifton Road and Saffron Lane, and adjacent properties were "thoroughly assessed" by its building inspector.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The building on the corner was found to be unsafe due to movements being measured by our building inspector, exceeding 10mm (1cm) in 30-minute incremental periods."

Saffron Lane remains closed between the Knighton Lane East and Aylestone Road junctions and "will be shut until the demolition is complete and utilities made safe", the authority said, warning it "could be a few days".

Residents of the adjoining flats will not be able to return until it is confirmed safe to do so and utilities are reconnected, the council said.

All the properties affected were privately owned, the council added.

Carrie Allardyce, who has owned C&M Laser, Hair and Beauty since May 2017, said she was "panicking" after being told the building was "crumbling", but has since been told her shop will not be demolished.

"My stomach is still in my throat," she added.

"I heard rumours that all the shops were going to go. It terrified me.

"I don't know why I'm crying. It's just the shock of it. It's just hit me."

The 40-year-old said she was "not sure what's happening", but hopes to reopen when it was safe.

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