Disruption around flats deemed at risk of collapse

Emergency services will still have access around an apartment block deemed at risk of collapse after city roads were closed, Plymouth City Council says.

An exclusion zone has been put in place around Evolution Cove, in Durnford Street, and residents evacuated after a fire service review said the building was structurally unsafe.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had been working with partners in relation to the matter and plans were in place should emergency vehicles and personnel need to attend the area.

Building owner Grey GR confirmed it had they have been in regular contact with the council and local fire service, and had shared all information and structural engineer reports.

It added: "On the 20 March, Grey initiated an evacuation of Evolution Cove based on specialist reports received that day, with a focus on the safety of all residents the priority.

"All residents have been provided with alternative accommodation. It is important that residents do not try to return to the building while it is under a Prohibition Notice. The building remains locked and has an active security presence.

"Since then, Grey has been in regular contact with the council and local fire service and has shared all information and structural engineer reports. Monitoring is in place to assess any movement in the structural cracks identified in the basement, with alerts in place should movement be outside of tolerance.

"Over the last four-weeks, movement has been within tolerance and no new alerts have been issued. We continue to work closely with the local authorities.

"Analysis is being undertaken to support us in developing a remediation approach to reinforce the structural integrity of the building. Our focus is on ensuring this is carried out as safely and comprehensively as possible."

Traffic disruption has been building up in the local area with the diversions in place.

Plymouth City Council said it wanted to reassure residents and businesses that emergency services were able to access the area at all times, despite the current road closures.

"We have been working closely with Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the South Western Ambulance Service over the past several days and we are assured that all blue light services can pass through the road closures safely.

"Public safety remains our absolute priority and we will continue to work in close coordination with emergency service partners whilst works to make Evolution Cove safe continues."

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