Need to know

Structural engineer called in as Paignton road to remain shut

Parts of an unsafe building have begun to crumble to the ground

1. A road in Paignton town centre has been closed after a building began to crumble onto the street.
2. Torbay Council is aware of the situation and updated the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in a briefing today, Sunday, May 24.
3. A member of the emergency planning team was the first to be alerted at 1.38pm.
4. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police have been in attendance to shut the road and ensure people are safe.
5. Pictures from the scene show a building surrounded by scaffolding with fallen rubble and debris on the ground.
6. Torbay Council contractor SWISCO is overseeing the road closure on Hyde Road (at the junction with Torquay Road near the station and level crossing) and managing diversions for traffic.
7. A request for a structural engineer to review the situation has been made.
8. A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "We are currently waiting for the building to be inspected by a structural engineer. Victoria Street will need to stay shut while this is carried out. We will provide further updates when known. "
9. A senior manager at the council, in a briefing to the Lib Dem group, said: "I want to emphasise that we are working closely with the emergency services and trying resolve this situation swiftly whilst ensure public safety. I will keep you updated as soon as I have more information regarding the structural engineer’s assessment and any further actions."