Exclusion zone around Newport hotel lifted as building made safe
Work to make a dangerous hotel building in Newport safe has been completed, with the exclusion zone around it lifted.
Following an investigation by Telford & Wrekin Council and an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive, Telford Magistrates Court ordered the owner of the Royal Victoria Hotel in Newport to make the building and its supporting structures safe.
Telford & Wrekin Council stepped in to get the work done after the owner failed to meet a court deadline to take action.
The road and footpath directly outside the building were temporarily closed as a result of an exclusion zone being put in place in the interests of public safety.
Newport councillor Peter Scott confirmed the exclusion zone has been lifted on Friday afternoon and people can access the area now.
He said they still can't go directly under the hotel as there are concrete slabs in place, but St Mary's Street is accessible.
A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council said earlier: “We’ve had a team of experts working on site to get the work done as quickly as possible.
“Despite unapproved works by the owner causing some challenges and delay, the work will be completed today and the road around the hotel [will be] reopened by the end of the day.
“The footpath directly in front of the hotel will remain closed but an alternative route for pedestrians will be put in place so that there is safe movement for people on foot and in vehicles along St Mary’s Street.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience whilst we have made the building safe.”
The Royal Victoria dates back to 1830 and gained its name from the late British Queen who visited the hotel in 1832.
It extended over its many years in operation – with the building of a grand ballroom and cocktail bar in 1910 – before it eventually closed to the public in 2015.
Failure by the owner to comply with the magistrates' order mean
s that the council will look to recover the cost of repairs from the owner.
The council says it will continue to ensure the owner meets his legal responsibilities in connection with listed building regulations.
