Part of Broad Street to completely close amid fears building may collapse

Worcestershire County Council has announced this afternoon (Tuesday) that due to building safety concerns they were in the process of fully closing Broad Street at the junction with Angel Place.

"There will be no access to all traffic including pedestrians from either end of Broad Street to Angel Place," a statement from the council said.

READ MORE: Broad Street shop owners plea as unsafe building closes road

It is the 'worst case scenario' for retailers who had hoped there would be some access during the Worcester Victorian Fayre starting on Thursday.

The fayre brings thousands to the city who enjoy the entertainment and fairground as well as Christmas shopping at the stalls and in the city shops.

The road had been closed on Friday night after contractors warned the Poundland building, owned by Crown Estates, was at risk of partial closure.

Crown Estates has been undertaking a programme of repairs on the building since about May.

Retailers along the section of Broad Street from Angel Place have made an impassioned plea for people to visit them while Christmas shopping.

Pedestrians had been able to make their way through the barriers but now the road will be completely closed off.

Tim Evans, of Toys and Games of Worcester, previously said: "I estimate with a partial closure I would say we would lose 30 per cent trade but if there is a total closure that would be harsh and probably around 85 per cent reduction."

MORE: Broad Street shop owners' plea after unsafe building closes road

A spokesperson for The Crown Estate said: “Due to some urgent works that need to be undertaken at one of our properties around the Crown Gate Shopping Centre, it has been necessary to introduce a temporary closure of Unicorn Walk.

We are working to re-open the area as soon as possible.

We apologise for any disruption, but safety is our immediate priority and we are working closely with the affected businesses throughout.”