The future of an old building is uncertain as it remains at risk of total collapse after several parts of it fell into a river. The Grade II-listed Old Courthouse in Cockermouth was damaged at the back by the River Cocker on Sunday. Architectural adviser Darren Ward said there were fears of more damage to the building as the rest of it was now under strain. The structure’s roof has been identified as a source of worry. Karl Melville, from the Cumberland Council, said “it’s the roof structure that is causing us the concern right now for public safety.”
No one was injured in the incident, but Cocker Bridge has been closed as a precaution. The council has been working on the site with the owner to ascertain if any of the building is likely to fall. The Environment Agency reassured the public that the nearby flood walls remained “intact” and the town’s flood risk had not increased.
Talking to BBC Radio Cumbria, Mr. Ward warned that the situation could easily get worse and said that he “cannot see any economic viability in its rescue. we could potentially end up with a very long-term pile of rubble sitting on the side of the river that is very prominent.” The town experienced serious flooding during Storm Desmond in 2015. The building, which is around 190 years old and had housed the The Honest Lawyer restaurant, was sold at auction in 2022.
People have been asked to avoid the area and follow any diversions in place. If any part of the building collapses into the river, the risks include the possibility of damaging the flood walls, which could lead to flooding in the town. Further, there is uncertainty about whether the rest of the building can be safely dismantled to avoid any risks of collapsing
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