Fakenham street 'will only re-open when building is safe', says council

A Fakenham street which was closed because of concerns over a dangerous building will only re-open when it is safe to do so, council chiefs have said today.

District council officials remain on site in Norwich Street, which was shut yesterday afternoon because of fears one of its buildings is in an unsafe condition.

A tenant living in one of the flats in the building says he hasn't been given any indication of when, or if, he will be able to return home.

But North Norfolk District Council says it is doing all it can to resolve the situation.

In a statement issued a short time ago, the authority said: “North Norfolk District Council officers are currently on site at Norwich Street in Fakenham where work is ongoing to make a property safe.

"A decision to close the road was made following thorough and complex investigation work by specialist engineers and has been made in the interests of public safety.

"The road is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians and will remain so until it is deemed safe to re-open.

"Signs are in place and visitors to the area are strongly advised to note the closure and use an alternative route.

"The Council has taken steps to ensure that tenants affected by this situation are being supported and alternative accommodation has been arranged for them.”

Last night, resident Alex Macdonald said he had been advised to leave his flat last Friday following an inspection of the building.

He and another resident are currently staying in a nearby hotel.