THE former owner of one of Stonehaven’s Market Square shops fears its historical signage may no longer be safe and is seeking action from Aberdeenshire Council – before anyone is hurt.
What is now most recognised as a town centre convenience store, was once Stonehaven’s elegant department store – Ramsay’s millinery, outfitting, costumes, silk mercer and draper.
The lower two floors of the 19th century building of 12, 14 and 16 Market Square were fitted out as a shop in the 1930s, with distinctive doors featuring oval glazed panels and fascia proudly roclaiming the store’s wares. The new frontage was designed by John Ellis, who was also responsible for the town’s War Memorial, The Royal Hotel (now Number 44) and the Bay Hotel (now Clashfarquhar House).
Hugh Ramsay was the last in his family line to keep up the tradition of supplying clothing items, running the adjacent gentlemen’s shop in Evan Street until he retired in 2004.
Now, he is worried the building is poorly maintained and may even be a hazard – and he raised his concerns at Tuesday’s meeting of Stonehaven and District Community Council.
He said: ”Every time I go down town, it is sad to see the condition of this building in its present state.”
He added: ”If the wooden sign were to fall off the wall,, it would kill any person passing by.”
Mr Ramsay said he had already written to Aberdeenshire Council, who had undertaken a visual inspection only of the signage. And, because the building is now in joint ownership, he fears no-one is taking responsibility for its upkeep.
Cllr Sarah Dickinson, who was present at the meeting, said she understood the local authority could issue a Listed Building amenity notice.
”An Amenity Notice requires the owner of a listed buildint to take action to look after their building and can suggest the works needed,” she said.
”If this is not done, the council can step in and do it, then has to pursue the reimbursement.”
Mrs Dickinson said she understood this process was already underway, with preliminary letters being sent to property owners.
Co-op not owners of building
A spokesperson for the Co-op said the supermarket does not own the building but has a lease of the ground floor.
They added: ”It is understood that the responsibility for organising the repairs would be the freehold owners.
”Co-op takes its responsibilities seriously, and is in contact with its Landlord.”
