Locals calling for action over abandoned Dereham restaurant

Now, locals in Dereham are saying enough is enough and are demanding immediate action to sort out the notorious Akaash Tandoori site.

The curry house on the Market Place closed in 2015 and has set empty ever since.

The once-attractive building has become a target for break-ins and vandalism and locals say its gradually decaying facade has become a "stain" on the town centre.

Michael Dennison, a Dereham local, said the building was 'spoiling the look of the town' (Image: Newsquest)

Michael Dennison, a Dereham local, said the site was "completely letting the town down".

He added: "It’s a lovely building, but it’s obviously fallen into disrepair and it’s really spoiling the look of the town.

"It could be done up nicely again because next door has all been modernised over a long period of time and it’s now a Chinese restaurant. They could do the same with Akaash.

"It’s a complete eyesore, without a doubt. Something really needs to be done about it."

One local woman, who asked to stay anonymous, said: "It just seems like nothing is ever happening with the building.

"I don't know what the council is doing or planning to do with it. We just feel completely in the dark about it".

The building has been left in a state of disrepair since its abandonment - both inside and outside (Image: Newsquest)

Breckland Council began pursuing an enforced sale of the restaurant last year.

It followed an enforcement notice in 2022, which required the owner to make improvement to the property.

However, this expired without any repairs being made.

The authority then took the owners to court and secured an order, requiring them to make urgent safety repairs and reimburse £6,000 in legal fees.

But the owners again failed to comply within the specified timeframe, meaning the council had to carry out the repairs instead.

Questions have also been raised by locals around the current ownership of the site.

Christine Hardingham said she would like to see the building back in use (Image: Newsquest)

"I really want to see anything done with the building", said Christine Hardingham, another Dereham local.

"Whether that be another restaurant or something completely different.

"Whoever owns it just seems to be leaving it to rot and the council isn't doing anything. It’s just really frustrating".

Another man who asked to stay anonymous said: "It definitely needs someone to step in and improve it, but whether that actually happens or not depends on who owns the building.

"It's not the nicest thing to look at, I have to say".

Breckland Council said it was 'committed to resolving the situation' (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the council said: "Breckland Council is unable to comment on the ownership of the Akaash building.

"Information relating to property ownership is publicly available and can be obtained through the Land Registry.

"Furthermore, we are currently undertaking legal proceedings in relation to the site.

"As these proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on the legal process, enforcement action, or any matters relating to the Akaash at this time, but we remain committed to resolving the situation".