HIGH ST ‘SHUT TILL EASTER’ AFTER BLAZE
Closure a must for repairs after Noodle One fire:
BANGOR High Street is likely to be closed until Easter as a result of the Noodle One blaze last month. On December 17 a ‘significant’ fire broke out at the restaurant.
Both the noodle bar and clothes shop Morgan’s were extensively damaged and structurally weakened by the fire.
Gwynedd Council has now announced the High Street from the city’s Cathedral to Varsity will likely be closed to vehicles until April.
Temporary traffic diversions will be in place while work is done to stabilise the buildings and to safely remove debris by crane.
The council’s Head of Environment Dafydd Wyn Williams described the work as a “complex” and “challenging task”.
He said: “Unfortunately, having explored all possible options, our structural engineers have confirmed that there is no way in which this work can be safely completed without the need to keep this section of the High Street closed to traffic for a number of weeks.
“We fully appreciate the impact of this situation on local residents, traders and shoppers, and every effort is being made to complete the work as swiftly and safely as possible.
“As a council we are committed to working closely with the City Council, Bangor BID (Bangor Improvement District), the Police and local businesses with the aim of easing the impact on all parties.
“Together, we very much hope that positive solutions can be achieved.”
In response, Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams MP and Sian Gwenllian AM have urged the council to consider a range of temporary measures to secure support for businesses in Bangor that have been impacted by the closure of the high street following the recent fire.
They said: “Some high street businesses in Bangor have been in contact with us to express concern about their situation, following the closure of the high street to traffic due to the recent fire.
“Several businesses have commented on the downturn in trade and problems with deliveries accessing premises on the high street, particularly for heavy vehicles.
“We have asked Gwynedd council for an update on the situation, particularly in relation to the temporary traffic arrangements affecting businesses in the Kyffin Square area, who require unhindered access to their businesses.
“Given the impact on local businesses, we have asked the council to look at what alternative temporary measures can be put in place to help ease the pressure on local businesses, both in terms of providing financial relief and contingency traffic arrangements.
“In the meantime, we call on local people to support the high street in Bangor.
“Our traders work extremely hard to keep their stores going.
“It is vital that we all support them during this difficult time.”