IT HAS been revealed Storm Arwen caused a building to be at risk of partial collapse closing off a main city centre road.

Friday's extreme weather conditions caused Broad Street to be closed off after it was feared the fascia of the Poundland building would partially collapse.

Building work has been going on at the two properties, owned by Crown Estates, since May.

However, the battering rains and high winds from Storm Arwen left it in a hazardous condition with no choice but to immediately close the street.

Unicorn Walk in Crowngate also remains closed off while work continues of the building which fascias dates back to the 1800s.

 

Retailers in lower Broad Street had experienced an immediate drop in trade after the closure.

Fortunately for those which remain open, they are now seeing it pick back up thanks to pedestrian access resuming and free fairground rides.

Worcestershire Highways worked through the evening to reopen Broad Street during the first day of Worcester's Victorian Christmas Market.

Tim Evans, of Toys and Games of Worcester, said: "It's very busy again.

 

"The children's ride is free and looks fantastic.

"Obviously the scaffolding is a major obstacle but the road is open and we're busy which is a relief.

"This is such an important weekend."

The vast majority of the shops are independent and remain open but there are some which have been forced to shut.

Worcester City Council has subsidised a children's fairground ride to attract families to the lower end of the street which is mainly independent traders.

A city council spokesman said: “The City Council welcomes the news that Broad Street has been safely reopened and we hope that this will bring a festive boost to the traders in the area.

"Throughout this weekend’s Victorian Fayre we are offering free rides on the children’s fair attraction in lower Broad Street to encourage visitors to explore and support the shops in that part of town.”

Financial support will also be given to the lower Broad Street businesses that have not been legally required to close by the council using Covid business grants funding from the Government.