A building in Cockermouth that is on the banks of the River Cocker has partially collapsed after heavy rainfall. The building is an old courthouse that is Grade II-listed. The back of the building has fallen into the river causing visible damage. The building has been abandoned for some time, but it was home to a popular restaurant called The Honest Lawyer. The building was sold at auction in 2022 and it is not known what plans the new owners had for the property.
The Environment Agency has reported that the collapse of the building happened near the town’s flood walls, but the flood walls have not been damaged and there is no increased risk of flooding. The agency is working with Cumberland Council to minimise any potential environmental impacts that may arise from the partial building collapse. At present, the authorities in Cumbria have made no comment on the incident.
The building is an iconic part of the architecture in Cockermouth and the collapse of the building will be a great loss for local residents. The cause of the collapse is unknown, although the heavy rainfall that has hit the UK in recent weeks is likely to have played a part. The authorities will now be looking to establish what caused the collapse and if there are any potential risks that need to be addressed, particularly in relation to flood protection measures.
At present, there is no word on the future of the building. It is hoped that the iconic structure can be saved and restored to its former glory. However, this will largely depend on the level of damage that has been sustained by the building and the potential costs associated with any restoration work. The people of Cockermouth will be watching this situation closely and hoping that a positive solution can be found for this treasured local landmark
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More