A Carlisle street has had its pavements cordoned off due to safety concerns.
Access to six businesses on Devonshire Street has been restricted following a structural survey to assess the condition of cellars, vaults, and arches within buildings beneath the light wells on the footway.
The findings revealed that some of the underground spaces have deteriorated over time and are now in a poor condition.
Cumberland Council said: “As such and in the interest of public safety, it is imperative that support measures are promptly implemented to secure these areas. This means that areas of the footway on Devonshire Street have been temporarily restricted.
“Regrettably, this also affects access to the following businesses listed below. which means the pavements have been temporarily closed in front of the following businesses
The businesses affected are:
- Nationwide
- Scott Duff & Co
- John Taylor
- Paradiso
- Greggs
- Santander
Barriers have been placed outside each of the properties on the pavement to prevent access to the affected areas until the cellar areas have been properly supported.
The authority added: “We ask the public or businesses not to move these barriers.
“Cumberland Council is committed to working closely with the affected businesses, their occupiers, and building owners to resolve this matter efficiently and effectively. We extend our thanks to them and the public for their co-operation and understanding during this temporary inconvenience.”
An initial statement from Cumberland Council indicated that the affected businesses, plus the Thin White Duke, were having to close, but Cumbria Crack has been contacted by the bar and Scott Duff & Co to say they are remaining open.
