It has been dubbed one of Dereham's "unsightly sites" for the last five years and continues to be a "stain" on the town centre.

Dereham Times: The Akaash Tandoori restaurant remains a stain to Dereham's historic market place.The Akaash Tandoori restaurant remains a stain to Dereham's historic market place. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Akaash Tandoori Restaurant building, at 23 Market Place, has been a contentious topic since its owners abandoned it in 2015.

It had then been called a "stain" on the town as it laid abandoned.

In October 2022, Breckland Council's issued an enforcement notice, requiring improvements to the property.

It has expired, leading to Ray O' Callaghan, Breckland councillor for Dereham, calling for further action.

Mr O' Callaghan added that the building has since been subject to several break-ins and faced public frustration, following multiple complaints made to the council. 

"It's just so sad to look at, especially for those visiting the town centre," said Mr O' Callaghan.

Dereham Times: Mr O' Callaghan is disappointed that the derelict building remains a stain on the town's centre.Mr O' Callaghan is disappointed that the derelict building remains a stain on the town's centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)
A spokesperson from Breckland Council said: "The matter is in the hands of our Legal Services Department, who is progressing formal action that will seek to bring back the former Akash Restaurant to its former glory.  

"We appreciate the impact on local residents and are working to resolve this matter as a matter of urgency."