MORE money will have to be spent on repairing a council property which has sat empty for more than a decade on Dunbar High Street.

Refurbishment works on the building, which was previously used as East Lothian Council’s housing office, were carried out during 2022/23.

The works, which comprised reinstatement and repairs, cost more than £300,000.

However, a spokesperson for the local authority told the Courier that more works were planned for next year, expected to cost thousands of pounds.

They said: “A poorly designed existing rainwater outlet resulted in a persistent roof leak.

“We are in the process of altering this detail in order to futureproof the property and prevent long-term maintenance requirements, and the neighbouring property has contributed to a large amount of penetrating damp.

“Unfortunately, damp proofing works carried out during the refurbishment works have not fully prevented ingress.

“However, we are in the process of installing additional measures which should alleviate any future issues, until such times that the neighbouring property is redeveloped.”

READ MORE: Dunbar: Former council housing office and flats put on the market

Earlier this year, the local authority put the ground-floor commercial space on the market for offers over £165,000.

The two flats above were also put for sale for offers over £180,000 and £185,000.

The source of the water ingress was not accessible during the earlier stages, as it was not located on the council’s property.

Since carrying out the works, the issue has “worsened”, prompting further investigation and repair works.

The spokesperson confirmed that work was being carried out this month, with further works to be done in the New Year.

They said: “The building was purchased in November 2008 and became empty in 2013.

“It was originally mothballed while alternative solutions were explored; however, it was agreed in 2019 that the units would be refurbished and marketed for sale.

“There have been various challenges to overcome during this process, including the pandemic and the current situation.

“This is being rectified and works are programmed to be complete by mid-November.

“However, work to the roof will not be complete until early 2025, as we have to seek consents prior to altering the roof’s design.”