Factory fire road remains closed as report awaited

The owner of a factory that was gutted by a large fire has been urged to provide a safety report for the building so a nearby road can be reopened.

More than 100 firefighters were called to the Grade II-listed former Moorfields Works on Upper Villiers Street and Sunbeam Street, in Wolverhampton, on 14 January.

Since the fire, Upper Villiers Street has remained closed from its junction with Moorfield Road to its junction with Sunbeam Street for public safety.

"The council has reminded the owners of their legal responsibilities and is ensuring safe steps are taken ahead of the owner clearing fire damaged debris to allow further detailed inspections," City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The roof of the former factory, which was once home to the Sunbeam Motor Car Company, caved in and internal walls were also damaged.

The fire caused huge plumes of smoke that could be seen from miles away, prompting a warning from the UK Health Security Agency for locals to keep windows closed due to toxicity.

A planning application from the owners said the collapsed roof needed to be cleared to enable access to assess the state of the property. The application is currently under assessment.

Most of the site was "severely fire damaged" including the main factory, with a steel frame extension at the rear of the site and former offices to the front also affected, applicants said.

A letter sent to nearby residents and businesses detailed the council's efforts to resolve the traffic disruption.

It stated: "The road will reopen as soon as the building is confirmed to be structurally safe."

Bus services continue to be diverted and temporary bus stops have been installed near the junction of Goldthorn Hill and Upper Villiers Street.

The local authority told residents that concerns have been raised about waste stored at the rear of the site.

"We continue to work with the police, fire service and others to ensure it is safe and appropriate for the removal of any items from the site. The council is in regular contact with all parties and once it is safe and appropriate to do so, the landowner will be required to remove the waste," the council said.

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