'˜Emergency closure' of Bognor road due to '˜unsafe building'

A spokeman said the situation, on York Road, is being managed by Arun District Council.

They added: “This emergency closure is needed to allow contractors to make the road safe. It is expected to be closed, with access only for residents’ and emergency vehicles, until September 22, although this could change depending on what remedial works are needed. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.”

An alternative route, via Belmont Street, Lennox Street, The Esplanade, Waterloo Square, West Street and High Street, will be signposted as a result.

An Arun District Council spokesperson confirmed it had been alerted by a person this morning who was ‘concerned about falling masonry’.

They added: “Our Building Control team went out to assess the building and contacted West Sussex Highways to suggest the pavement be cordoned off to ensure the safety of pedestrians. West Sussex Highways decided to shut the road as a precaution.

“This is a privately-owned building and the council has now been in contact with the owners and asked them to respond to the public health issue by instructing a specialist to assess the condition of the building and the extent of any structural failure. Once this has been done repair work can then be carried out to make the structure safe.”

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