Entain Group, which owns the listed building housing Ladbrokes, sent a response to concerns raised by Andover Town Council about the structure that has remained in place for more than three years.
In its letter, Entain said it “fully appreciates the frustration caused by the length of time this project has taken”, explaining that the building’s listed status and the condition of its façade have made the work “an extremely complex and sensitive undertaking”.
“The building in question is a Listed property with a façade that was deemed at risk of collapse without intervention,” the company said. “It has been regularly inspected and complies with all statutory requirements.”
Entain acknowledged the impact on the High Street and the loss of disabled parking bays, adding: “We recognise the impact this has had on the High Street and disabled parking bays, and we remain committed to resolving the situation as soon as possible.”
The company confirmed that contractors are currently on site and said a recent visit by its architects indicated the project is on track for completion. It added that the final planning condition has been discharged and that no further delays are anticipated.
While declining to release detailed project timelines publicly, Entain stressed that every effort is being made to complete the work “as quickly and safely as possible”.
The letter followed formal action by Andover Town Council, which has repeatedly raised concerns about the scaffolding’s effect on public safety, accessibility and the High Street’s appearance. The issue has been the subject of previous reporting.
At a meeting on November 19, 2025, the town council resolved to contact all relevant stakeholders regarding the prolonged presence of the scaffolding, prompting direct correspondence with Entain and renewed calls for urgent action.
A spokesperson for Andover Town Council said: “The scaffolding has remained in place for more than three years, giving rise to serious concerns regarding public safety, the visual impact on the High Street, and the ongoing loss of disabled parking bays.
“In correspondence with Entain, the owner of the building, the Town Council acknowledged that responsibility for maintaining the property does not lie with Test Valley Borough Council, but rests with Entain.
“The Council urged immediate action to expedite repairs to the building, remove the scaffolding and associated barriers, and reinstate the disabled parking bays.”
The town council requested a clear schedule of works with firm deadlines and warned that if no satisfactory response was received by December 31, 2025, the matter would be escalated to the Health and Safety Executive.
“We hope that these works will be concluded promptly, allowing Andover High Street to be fully restored,” the council said.
Andover Town Council added that it supports the ongoing efforts of Test Valley Borough Council and welcomes Entain’s commitment to complete the project.
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