Following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth yesterday (Sunday, 8 October), Cumberland Council is continuing to assess the site - with the permission of the owner of the building - and has put in place precautionary measures to protect public safety.
The bridge over the river Cocker has been closed and screening has been installed. Traffic lights are in place to ease congestion. Please avoid the area and follow the diversions in place.
The river embankment has been fenced off in the potential drop zone. Other traffic routes are currently being assessed and other works have now been suspended.
A structural assessment of the building is underway, and a LiDAR survey will be undertaken using a drone. This will provide a 3D map of the building.
Discussions are ongoing with key partners including the owner of the building. Permission has been granted by the owner to access the building to undertaken survey work.
There were no reports of any injuries following the building collapse and although some debris has landed into the river, the river is still flowing.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that although the collapse is near to their flood walls, the walls remain intact and the town’s flood risk has not increased.
Cumberland Council spokesperson said:
“Although this is a privately owned building, we have taken immediate action to secure the site and have structural engineers on site to determine the extent of the damage.
“This is a complex issue and public safety is our main priority.
“We appreciate that the bridge closure will impact on residents, and we will do all we can reopen it as soon as it safe to do so.”