Historic building declared unsafe due to cracks

A historic building has been declared unsafe due to multiple cracks in its façade.

Vertical cracks were found in the Grade II listed building in Uckfield High Street, forcing the pavement outside to be closed due to the risk of falling debris.

Traffic management measures have been implemented while the building is made safe, which Uckfield Town Council said could take up to three weeks.

Businesses in the area will be able to remain open, Wealden District Council said.

Due to the height of the building and close frontage onto the pavement, falling debris posed a risk to both pedestrians and passing motorists, the town council said.

"This building is part of Uckfield's history and this news is incredibly sad, so please join us in allowing the structural engineers to carry out the necessary work required to get scaffolding up and make this building safe," a spokesperson said.

"It may be sooner but we will need to allow for two to three weeks of disruption just in case."

Parts of the building, which received listed status in 1953, date back to the 18th Century, according to Historic England.

Issues with the building were first brought to the attention of Wealden District Council on 4 February and the building has since been inspected to assess its safety.

An East Sussex Highways spokesperson said: "We are working with colleagues at Wealden District Council and the East Sussex Building Control Partnership, who are managing this situation, to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise disruption to road users."

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