A scaffolding company has bolstered a derelict pub in Great Yarmouth despite being owed almost £1/2m.

KB Scaffolding Services returned to the Haven Bridge pub last week to upgrade the existing scaffolding to the burnt-out building following the scaffolding company's concerns it may collapse.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: KB Scaffolding returned to the Haven Bridge pub on Monday morning to improve the structural supports after fears were raised the building was at risk of collapse. Picture - KB ScaffoldingKB Scaffolding returned to the Haven Bridge pub on Monday morning to improve the structural supports after fears were raised the building was at risk of collapse. Picture - KB Scaffolding (Image: KB Scaffolding)As the scaffolding company has not yet been paid the outstanding bill for the enforcements since they were installed in March 2022, KB Scaffolding owner Michael Black had previously considered dismantling the building's supports.

"But we have a duty of care to the public, and there's no way we could have taken it down," said Mr Black.

"We had to make sure it was safe."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Scaffolders improving the front of the burnt out Haven Bridge pub, which caught fire in March 2022. Picture - KB ScaffoldingScaffolders improving the front of the burnt out Haven Bridge pub, which caught fire in March 2022. Picture - KB Scaffolding (Image: KB Scaffolding)Mr Black added his firm will continue to assess the building's structure each week. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Haven Bridge pub on fire in March 2022. Picture - Angel Lala EsherwoodHaven Bridge pub on fire in March 2022. Picture - Angel Lala Esherwood (Image: Angel Lala Esherwood)After going up in flames on March 23, 2022, the Haven Bridge pub has been surrounded by scaffolding and access to Steam Mill Lane remains closed.

Two days after the blaze, KB Scaffolding assembled scaffolding around the pub after the closure of Bridge Road caused heavy traffic throughout the town.

Almost two years later, the firm has yet to be paid for the service.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Haven Bridge pub on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Picture - James WeedsThe Haven Bridge pub on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The bill now stands at over £400,000.

Liability for the payment has been contested since mid-2022. Mr Black believes Great Yarmouth Borough Council is liable as he says he was requested to install the scaffolding as an emergency measure by a council officer.

The council has refuted this claim and believes the pub's owner is liable.

The pub's leaseholder, Martin Bennington, said his insurance company has refused to provide any financial compensation.

"It's disgraceful," added Mr Black.

"Our warnings of the building's risk seem to have fallen on deaf ears. After two years, people are still burying their heads in the sand.

"But this will have to be sorted sooner or later."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A bird-s eye view of the damage at Haven Bridge Pub in March 2022. Picture - Big Sky PhotoA bird-s eye view of the damage at Haven Bridge Pub in March 2022. Picture - Big Sky Photo (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)READ MORE: Take a step back in the Haven Bridge pub's history

Mr Black said KB Scaffolding was in the process of taking legal action against the council, Mr Bennington and the pub's owner.

The council is currently assessing and considering options for the property. The ongoing work will include a structural survey.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson has confirmed it has not visited the site since March 2022, but a spokesperson said the agency continues to work with the council.