Renovations to Hungerford building causing concern

After years of wrangling, town councillor Martin Crane wrested an undertaking in 2012 from owners The Co-operative Group that Queen Anne House at 16, High Street (incorrectly numbered 15 and 15a) would be repaired and restored.
Flooding from burst pipes, rotting fixtures and an infestation of rats followed – but no renovation. More recently, feral pigeons got inside and began to nest.
Now, however, work has finally got underway...but questions remain.
Mr Crane said recently: “The contractor has been working 16 hours a day to meet the deadline, but has been frustrated by the reaction to any ‘additional’ costs that he sees as necessary.
Mr Crane said that there was concern that any attempts to avoid cost would result in the beautiful building failing to be shown in its true light.
Mr Crane also pointed out that, according to residents, West Berkshire Council had not sent a conservation officer to check on the progress at the Grade II listed building.
He contrasted that with the situation at the nearby John O’Gaunt pub, when council conservation officers took a keen interest.
Mr Crane added: “Given that both have ‘listed’ status, I do not understand.”
In January, said Mr Crane, the company had agreed to dedicate part of the building to the community but there has been no further news on this.
Mr Crane has asked the Co-op: “There was a suggestion that at least some of the front 'office' could be turned over to community use; for example a tourism office - is this still an option and, if so, on what terms?
“As you can imagine this project has been the subject of huge public interest in the town and the local media and thus will reflect upon the image of the Co-op when completed to mutual satisfaction.”
The Co-op had not responded as the Hungerford edition of the Newbury Weekly News went to press.