Published: Thursday, 24th April, 2008 08:10
‘Eyesore’ cafe bites the dust
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COMMUNITY leaders have waved good riddance to a prominent local eyesore following the long-awaited demolition of the derelict Oak Tree filling station and cafe building.
Work to level the site at Haddington’s western gateway was completed on Friday by contractors brought in by owners Premier Property Group (PPG).
The demolition of the property – which, along with nearby Gateside Commerce Park, was bought by Sir David Murray’s subsidiary company in 2004 – had been delayed by several months due to the need to make safe underground power cables and for asbestos checks to be carried out.
Its unsightly and overgrown nature had been the subject of numerous public complaints to Haddington and District Community Council since it was vacated by Texaco 11 years ago.
Community council chair Jan Wilson expressed relief that the demolition had finally taken place.
“It’s great to see the old building has gone. We were starting to think it might never happen,” she said. “This has been a blot on the landscape of Haddington for many years – we’ve received dozens of letters from residents on this issue.
“There is no doubt that the site’s run-down appearance – at one stage it was full of weeds three to four feet tall – was having a detrimental effect on the town’s image as far as tourism and visitors were concerned, so we are glad that something has been done about it.”
PPG and Sainsbury’s have unveiled plans to create a 35,000sq ft food store and petrol station at Gateside West, which could create up to 200 jobs.
They submitted a planning application to East Lothian Council earlier this year, despite the fact that council planners have yet to decide on the allocation of new out-of-town retail locations.
In the meantime, the community council has called on PPG and Sainsbury’s to ensure that everything is done to make the site secure against illegal encampment and other anti-social activities.
“Clearing the site has taken us one step closer to getting it returned to meaningful use,” said Mrs Wilson. “But until then, there is always the risk that travellers could try to take advantage.
“There are boulders already in place at the former front entrance to the filling station to deter caravans and campervans etc, and there is some fencing and hedges too.
“We just want to know that it is totally secure.”
County MSP Iain Gray, who stays in Haddington, said: “I am pleased that Sainsbury’s have demolished the former Oak Tree Cafe building.
“Along with other local residents I believe the site to be an eyesore, so this is a very positive step.
“Obviously what happens on the site in the future is in the hands of the planning process, but this action to tidy up the site will be warmly welcomed by Haddington residents,” he added.
PPG and Sainsbury’s could not be reached for comment.
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