Demolition work has begun in Kirkby Lonsdale following a devastating fire in the Main Street on Sunday.
The blaze has left some buildings structurally unsafe and work began following assessments by the council’s building control team and structural engineers.
The fire caused significant internal and external damage to buildings near Taylors, Save the Children, and Botanica, with unstable walls, unsupported structures, and roof elements posing immediate risks.
Where possible, Westmorland & Furness Council said it was working to preserve the historic frontage of the Old Market Hall, despite the challenges presented by the extensive damage.
Contractors were mobilised last night on Monday December 9, to address the issues.
While progress was delayed due to the need to safely disconnect a gas main, further work is expected to resume soon.
The current cordon area on Main Street has been moved back to allow more business owners and residents to access their premises.
The cordon now runs from the Nat West bank to Lunesdale Home and Garden on the opposite side of the street.
Main Street remains closed beyond the cordon areas to allow ongoing work on the buildings that are structurally unsafe.
Cumbria police were contacted by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service at 5.45am on Sunday December 8 after they were called to a blaze at apartments opposite the Red Dragon pub on Main Street.
A man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.30am.
At its height, 10 fire crews from Cumbria and Lancashire tackled the blaze.
Agencies remain in Kirkby Lonsdale to offer support and answer questions.
There will be another public drop-in at 5.30pm tomorrow, Wednesday December 11, at Lunesdale Hall to update on developments during the day.
For any residents, visitors or businesses wanting support or needing help support is also available at St Mary’s Church.
Impact on residents and businesses
The council is reviewing safety cordons in collaboration with emergency services to restore access where it is safe to do so.
However, properties directly impacted by the fire will remain inaccessible until stabilisation work is completed.
For residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the damaged building, there is likely to be a longer delay before access can be arranged due to the need for supporting scaffolding at the front of the Old Market Hall to stabilise the structure.
The council will continue to issue further updates as the situation progresses.
Essential services, such as waste collections, will proceed as planned where traffic diversions allow.
