Work is continuing to determine the future of a West Cumbrian building which partially collapsed into a river.
The Old Courthouse in Cockermouth collapsed into the River Cocker last month.
Legal action was taken against its owner so authorities could gain access to the building – one of the oldest in the town.
An update released by Cumberland Council said it and agencies including Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency were assessing options for the site.
Its statement said: “The site is highly complex and a series of issues impact on the options available.”
The issues include:
- The site is land locked, access to allow any works to be undertaken is challenging.
- The building is Grade II listed and any further works is required to be minimal to protect the fabric of the historic building.
- The River Cocker, next to the site, discharges into the River Derwent which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- The impact on waste flows and the protection of flood defences need to be given careful consideration.
- Any work need to minimise pollution from any debris.
A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “Alongside partners, we are exploring all possible options for the site. As it is a listed building, adjacent to a river course and land locked, there are complex issues to resolve to ensure all parties are in agreement.
“These assessments are needed as part of the process, and we are legally obliged to do all we can to put in place measures which protect safety as well the fabric of the building and take into consideration the site’s location.
“Partner agencies have been extremely supportive and collectively, we are doing all we can to move this work forward as quickly as we can, within the constraints we have to tackle.”
An Environment Agency spokesman added: “We are continuing to work closely with Cumberland Council following the partial collapse of the building into the river at Cockermouth.
“While the debris in the river is likely to slightly increase flood risk, we have put measures in place to manage this and continue to monitor the forecast and river levels, with incident teams ready to respond if needed.”
Structural engineers working on behalf of Cumberland Council have made assessments of the interior of the Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth after the council was granted a warrant to gain entry.
The warrant of entry was granted on Monday October 30 at Workington’s Magistrates’ Court.
Some exterior assessments of the site have already been undertaken a LiDAR survey which has provided a 3D map of the building. A contractor is continuing to work with the council to assess access to the site and is helping to determine how any work could be undertaken.
The bridge over the River Cocker continues to remain closed to traffic, as a precautionary measure, but a walkway is available for pedestrians and cyclists, which opened on Thursday October 12.
Temporary traffic lights have been installed in Kirkgate and on-street parking in the area has been suspended to help manage the flow of traffic through the town.
The river embankment has been fenced off in the potential drop zone.
