A building has collapsed into a West Cumbrian town’s river.
The rear of the Old Courthouse, in Cockermouth, has collapsed overnight into the River Cocker alongside it.
Police cordoned off a section of Main Street in front of the building.
From today, Monday, October 9, temporary traffic lights will be in place to help manage traffic flow through the town while Cocker Bridge is closed.
Roadworks planned on Kirkgate this week have also been postponed.
Pedestrians can avoid the area by using South Street or the Brewery yard.
Buses will only service Gallowbarrow and Main Street stops.
He said: “I think we have to accept the building is lost and that we have to replace it or at least tidy up the site so it’s not an eyesore.”
Cumberland Council said: “The Old Courthouse is an iconic building in Cockermouth and we share local residents sadness following the recent partial collapse of the building.
“We are working with emergency services and partners to do all we can to assess the damage and take immediate steps to protect public safety.
“The bridge over the River Cocker has been closed as a precautionary measure and screening will be installed. Please avoid the area and follow any diversions in place.
“There have been no reports of any injuries and although some debris has landed into the river, the river is still flowing.
“The Environment Agency has confirmed that although the collapse is near to their flood walls, the walls remain intact and the town’s flood risk has not increased.
“A multi-agency response is now in place, and we will provide updates as soon as they are available.
“This is a privately owned building and has been an ongoing issue. We continue to work with the owner of the property, and partners.”
Cartmell Shepherd solicitors, next door to the Old Courthouse, said its building had been checked and it was safe to open for business.
Once home to the Honest Lawyer restaurant and other businesses, the Grade II listed building – over 190 years old – was sold in 2022 to a London businessman for £51,000.
Flooded in 2001, the building next to the Cocker Bridge had to be evacuated a few months later, after the river eroded the stone section underneath it, making it unsafe.
Emergency repairs were carried out at the beginning of 2022 to shore up the building.
The former courthouse is in ashlar, and in Tudor Revival style. It has two storeys with a basement, and a front of three bays, with a modillioned cornice.
A flight of steps leads up to a central entrance; the entrance and both ground floor windows have Tudor arched heads. The three windows in the upper floor are rectangular with hood moulds.
In front of the basement area, and flanking the steps, are iron railings and gates. On the right return, facing the river, are two long windows, and behind the front block is the higher three-storey wing. It dates from 1828.
