Wall collapses due to high wind

A wall of the former Baby World store in Middleton has partly collapsed due to damage from the wind

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A wall of the former Baby World store in Middleton has partly collapsed due to damage from the wind.

The derelict building, which is located on Market Place now has a hole in its side, close to the roof where bricks have blown out and fallen onto the road.

Julie, from Townley DIY, who works close to the building, said: “The building has been left to rot for years and has been empty for years. The windows came out a few years ago and if it is left the way it is now, the roof could come off next.

“I came to work at 8am and the road was just blocked off with no police around. We haven’t been told how long the road will be closed for.”

Due to the building being classed as unsafe, Market Place has been closed throughout the day (Thursday 15 January) in both directions between the A664 Assherton Way junction and the Lodge Street junction.

Police were called to Market Place at 10:20pm yesterday evening (Wednesday 14 January) to reports of the gable end of the building collapsing.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were also called to the scene at around 10:30pm but once they arrived, the situation had been dealt with by the police.

Representatives from Rochdale Council also attended with a building inspector who deemed the building as unsafe.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Council, said: “Together with the police and fire service, we attended a partial building collapse in the early hours of Thursday (15 January) morning. Our first concern is the safety of our residents and we are working with the owner to ensure that the building and surrounding area are made safe.

“The road closure will remain in place until such time as the building poses no risk to passers-by.”

No injuries were reported.

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93651/marketplace-in-middleton-closed-in-both-directions