Weddings switched as town hall roof caves in

A TOWN hall was forced to close after leaks in the roof caused the building to flood.

Several ceilings in the second floor of Bury town hall collapsed and staff were told to stay at home or work from alternative locations.

Four weddings due to be held at the registry office yesterday and today were relocated as a result of the incident.

Structural inspections were taking place to determine the extent of damage.

In an email, deputy chief executive Lynne Ridsdale warned councillors not to access the building until inspections were completed.

She said: “Degradation of parts of the roof has caused some ceilings in the second floor to collapse and as a result water has found its way through the building down to the basement.

“Inspections are taking place tonight to determine the extent of damage.

Nobody has been injured. Security are on site.”

The town hall had been open to the public on the ground floor, which includes the reception, cashier desks and the register office.

But the majority of staff who normally work elsewhere in the building are continuing to work from home, and the committee rooms remain closed for the to reduce close contact and stop the coronavirus spreading.

The lockdown has allowed repairs and improvements to the building, including to the lifts, toilets, staircases and heating system.

Earlier this week, bosses said they would review the situation in September and assess whether the building can be more widely opened.

In a statement about the flooding, a council spokesman said: “Bury town hall is currently closed due to flooding caused by leaks in the roof.

“We will advise when reopened following inspections.” it can be structural