Exclusion zone around former Newport hotel as safety probe ongoing
An exclusion zone has been put around a dangerous hotel building in Newport amid an investigation into whether its structure is safe.
Telford & Wrekin Council says it has taken further steps to force action on the former Royal Victoria Hotel, Newport, following an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) where the building and its supporting structures have not been demonstrated by the owner to be safe.
The road and footpath directly outside the building has now been temporarily closed as part of an exclusion zone in the interests of public safety.
The council says access for vehicles in the remainder of St. Mary’s Street is limited due to the layout of the road, and where possible, the council is encouraging deliveries to take place from nearby streets.
However, access from the southern end of St Mary’s Street will remain to allow deliveries to business frontages where there is no other alternative. Council teams will monitor this arrangement over the coming days and work with businesses to ensure this is as effective as possible.
Businesses remain open as usual and can be accessed by foot via High Street.
A spokesperson from Telford & Wrekin Council said: “Our absolute top priority is to ensure our residents are safe, so we are taking the appropriate action in light of the ongoing investigation.
“This is a privately owned Grade II Listed building which has been neglected for a number of years. We will be seeking a court order to force the owner to remove the dangerous scaffolding and ensure the structures are safe. It’s just not acceptable.
“If the court order is approved, and the owner fails to do the work on time, then the council will carry out the work and will recover the costs from the owner.
“As a council, we have tried to work with the owner to facilitate the redevelopment of the site for some time and it is hugely disappointing that the development has stalled despite viable options being available.”
The Royal Victoria dates back to 1830 and gained its name from the late British Queen who visited the hotel in 1832.
People directly impacted by the exclusion zone can contact the council by emailing building.control@telford.gov.uk with any questions.
