Legal action is being taken against the owner of the Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth after it collapsed earlier this month. The Grade II listed building on Main Street collapsed into the River Cocker on October 8, forcing the closure of the Cocker Bridge.
They have issued a Notice of Intention of Emergency Works under section 78 of the Building Act 1984. This sets out the emergency work they have had to take to remove the imminent danger caused by the building.This includes installing fencing and installing a covered walkway across the Cocker bridge. The council has also informed the owner of the property that they require access to the property and will soon be serving a further notice using section 54 of the Planning Act 1990.
Public safety is still a top priority and agencies are continuing to work together to keep everyone safe. Access is required to the site to undertake further survey work which will inform how and what works can be undertaken.