Scaffolding scare at Budgens

Strong winds caused scaffolding to become loose at the fire-damaged Budgens store in Maidenhead today.

The fire service arrived at the shop in Shifford Crescent, which has been closed since August following a fire, at about 10.30am, after reports of  loose scaffolding.

Nothing fell from the building, but access to the parade of shops was restricted as a precaution.

Shoppers had to walk alongside the parade, staying as close to the buildings as possible.

However, although customers could pick up their medicines from HA McParland Chemists, which is next to Budgens, access to the shop was only through the small back door.

Pharmacist Ed Kwiatkowski said: "Our chemist is always affected as soon as something happens to Budgens, because we are right next to it. Now because of the same building that was on fire last year, my customers have to access the shop through the back.

"With red tape all along the parade of shops, it looks from a distance as if the chemist is closed, which obviously affects the business."