Arcade trader hit by leaking roof repairs

Store boss Dave Scott is counting the cost of trading in Glossop Market Arcade.

The owner of Double Four Records has seen profits plunge since water started pouring into his unit in July.

Four months on and water from town hall roof repairs is still getting in, tripping electrics and damaging and ruining stock.

It’s left Dave Scott, 49, stressed and wondering just when things will start to get better.

Standing in his darkened shop, plastic sheeting covering precious stock, Dave said: “I have never felt like this in my life before. I feel like I am getting nowhere, it is making me ill, but no one is listening.”

Dave, who has run his business in the arcade for 23 years, admits he is behind with the rent to his High Peak Borough Council landlords. This is despite currently cutting the price of often rare stock to attract customers.

But he says the conditions he is working under is keeping buyers away.

Dave says: “The council says I am open for business, but how do they call it business when water is dripping on customers’ heads and there is a musty smell?

“I don’t want to walk away, I want to stay, but this has been going on for so long.”

Dave says fewer and fewer music fans are calling in to browse through extensive material made up of vinyl,  cassettes, cartridges, CDs, DVDs, books and magazines.

Dave is not the only arcade tenant suffering, Arturo's hairdressers and other units have been flooded and they too have been counting the cost.

A HPBC spokesman said: “The council is nearing the end of a difficult and complicated project to ensure the future of the town hall building. 

“We are sorry that the last sections of the works which include resealing with new waterproofing two areas of roof at the rear of the town hall has caused these issues for the tenants of the Town Hall Arcade. The council has been working closely with our contractors Tomlinson’s to try and get these works done as quickly and safely as possible. 

“The unprecedented amount of rain that has continued to fall has meant the temporary covers have been unable to cope. 

“Officers have been to site on multiple occasions to speak to Mr Scott and to help him through this difficult time. 

“We will not comment on Mr Scott’s rent position, but will say that we will be looking at a compensation package with him.”