This Is Cheshire

FALLING MASONRY JUST MISSES PEDESTRIAN

From the Guardian Series, first published Friday 10th Mar 2000.

STRUCTURAL engineers have been examining the front of Crewe's historic Market Hall after a chunk of masonry fell into the street narrowly missing a passer-by.

Her lucky escape from injury left the woman badly shaken.

The stone fell from the main facade last Thursday prompting an immediate inspection by the borough's Principal Architect.

A specialist structural engineer was also called in, scaffolding and protective casing was put in place and the main, Earle Street entrance to the market was closed. Trading continues with entry via Heath Street.

"We are treating this as a very serious matter," said Chief Executive Alan Wenham.

He revealed that a piece of decorative stone, hanging down in a dragon's tooth arrangement, had sheered off deep in the block.

"Apparently such things are very difficult to predict. I have commissioned an urgent survey of all the stonework at close quarters from a hydraulic lift. We need to be sure that there is no risk of a further fall. We need to reassure ourselves and the public that the building is safe," Mr Wenham added.

The Market Hall was built in 1854 and is 'Listed' for its historic and architectural interest.

A programme of stone repair and replacement has been underway for the past five years and is continuing, Mr Wenham said.

He added that the Hall was surveyed regularly, with the last inspection taking place nine months ago. There was no connection at all between this incident and plans to replace the Market Hall roof later in the year.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

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