Collapsed building safety work 'to take 10 days'

Residents who were forced out of their homes after part of a building in Leicester collapsed will not be able to return for about 10 days.

A section of the roof of a former factory building fell into Wharf Street South on Monday evening, leaving a passer-by with minor injuries.

The city council said a structural survey had found additional issues and the top two floors of the building may have to be removed.

The authority added that 25 people who had to leave their homes in a neighbouring building would be provided with temporary accommodation until the work was completed.

A city council spokesperson said: "Demolition contractors carried out work on Tuesday evening and into the night to remove loose masonry and take down the gable end of the roof, which was structurally unsound.

"Structural engineers have since inspected the building to determine what further action is required to make it safe.

"Contractors are now preparing to carefully demolish the top floor of the former factory – and potentially the floor below – due to imminent risk of collapse.

"Until that work is complete, it has been deemed unsafe for people to return home to the adjacent building. Alternative temporary accommodation is currently being provided for around 25 people."

They added: "All being well, residents should be able to return to their homes – and all affected roads will be reopened – by [the] week commencing 27 July.

"The planned work is expected to take around 10 days to complete. A further structural survey will then be required."

The council confirmed that as the building was privately owned, all costs would be charged to the owners.

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