Cockermouth’s traders are reminding people that the town remains open for business, following the collapse of the Old Courthouse over the weekend.
The Grade II listed building on Main Street collapsed into the River Cocker yesterday, forcing the closure of Cocker Bridge.
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 are currently only servicing Main Street and Gallowbarrow stops.
William Moore, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: “We are so sad to see the collapse of Cockermouth’s historic former court house.
“This was a beautiful building in the heart of the town and its loss will be felt by locals and visitors alike. Sadly, I think we all knew this day would come, given the damage caused over the years to the building’s structure.
“Now I hope that all the relevant agencies can work very swiftly to ensure the safety of the public and, very importantly, to get the road over Cocker Bridge open again as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime, I want to emphasise the message we have said so often in Cockermouth – this town is still open for business. Please continue to visit Market Place which is still easily accessible via the footbridges next to the brewery and at the end of South Street.
“There’s good parking at that end of town too, so you can easily get to the shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants, as well as Kirkgate Arts, and the doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries.
“Cockermouth will always be a great place to eat, drink, shop and explore. Please keep supporting your local businesses.”
The building was home to the Honest Lawyer restaurant and its owner, George Cherian posted on Facebook: “It’s been two years since we had to leave the Honest Lawyer.
“It was such a sad sight to see our beloved building in town collapse. We as well as a lot of our customers and staff members have made a lot of fond and happy memories at our restaurant.
“We were taken aback by all the messages and phone calls from the lovely people of Cockermouth telling us about how sad it was to see this and also about the good memories they had at the honest Lawyer restaurant
“A big thank you to all. We just hope a solution is found at the earliest so there is no disruption to anyone in town.”
The building was bought by a London businessman who paid £51,000 for the property. He pledged to spend £100,000 on repairs.
Contractors moved in to start work, but that work stopped several months ago, sudddenly.
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.”
