Cornbrook, which is based nearby in Cleobury Mortimer, has been appointed by retailer Tara to undertake investigations on its four-storey listed building after widespread cracking appeared on the front wall in December.

Initial investigations found that there was movement in the wall and that timbers in the framework had rotted making the front of the premises structurally unsafe.

“We are channelling all our resources and technical expertise into completing the work in the quickest time possible,” explained Matt Breakwell, Managing Director of Cornbrook.

“Unfortunately, to carry out the repair work Shropshire Council Highways department requested that we close the road temporarily to put up scaffolding due to the narrow nature of King Street. We can then finalise our investigations and undertake the necessary repairs.”

He continued: “We’ve already completed emergency remedial work on the first floor using a cat’s cradle scaffold, to reinforce the front of the building until we can carry out a permanent repair.

“The extent of the cracking means that if the work is not done the wall could eventually collapse.”

Cornbrook is managing the entire project, working with a structural engineer, Shropshire Council Building Control and Conservation Officers on securing a permanent solution whilst protecting the building’s original Georgian features.

The independent construction firm has also been in discussions with Shropshire Council on the timing of the road closure so that it didn’t impact on Christmas shopping and January sales, whilst hopefully being completed in time for the town’s May Fair, weather permitting.

“We’ve got all our top people working on this project and everyone is committed to finding the quickest and most effective solution possible for all parties,” continued Matt.

“The road closure had to happen. Unfortunately there was no other safe alternative, but what we are looking to do now is to work with other retailers and landlords in King Street that may also need some repair work done.

“That way we can avoid having to close the road again in the near future, thus reducing future inconvenience and also sharing the cost of the closure. We’ve already had three companies take advantage of this offer.”

He concluded: “We want to thank the traders on King Street and local people for their patience and understanding.”