Major Stoke-on-Trent road shut due to fears a building could collapse
Diversions are now in place following reports that debris was falling
A major Stoke-on-Trent road is closed due to fears that a building could collapse into the street.
Diversions are now in place along Leek New Road between Spa Street and Stanway Avenue following reports that debris was falling from the roof of a terraced building.
On Monday night (12 October), Stoke-on-Trent City Council closed the road due to a dangerous structure. At present no details have been given about when the road is likely to reopen but according to traffic management site One.Network the road could be closed until the end of the month.
The roof of the building appears to be bowing inwards and large cracks on the wall near the first floor window have materialised. Motorists are being encouraged to follow the official diversion routes in place rather than using residential streets as shortcuts.
"public safety has to come first"
Councillor Laura Carter said:
“The closure of Leek New Road is understandably causing significant disruption to residents, commuters and local businesses, particularly given how busy this route is. However, public safety has to come first. The building has visible structural damage, and the risk of falling masonry onto the pavement and carriageway means that keeping the road open simply isn’t an option until the danger has been properly assessed and addressed.
“I’ve been keeping residents updated as information becomes available, including details of the diversions, and I’ve been encouraging motorists to follow the road closure rather than attempting to drive through it or using smaller residential streets as shortcuts.
“I appreciate how frustrating another major road closure is for people in the area, but the priority must be making the building safe and reopening the road as soon as it is safe to do so. I’ll continue to seek updates and share information with residents as the situation develops.”
One resident said:
“I’m not really sure what’s happening. I came back from work and it was like this. I’ve had to park my car ages away. I don’t think the building is going to come down. Hopefully they can get it sorted soon.”
The road closure may also mean that some bin collections in the area are missed. Residents are being told by the city council to leave bins out, and crews will collect them as soon as possible.
A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:
“Leek New Road is currently closed between Spa Street and Stanway Avenue. Diversions are in place. We’re waiting for a further update from the teams on site and will share more information when we can. Please plan your journeys, allow extra time, and follow the diversion routes.”