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23
Nov 2021
Last Updated: 22/11/2021
Ripon homes in danger of collapse are fenced off
The deteriorating state of a residential block in Ripon has prompted owners of the property to taken further safety measures.
Additional safety measures have been taken at a Ripon residential block in danger of collapse through subsidence caused by sinkhole activity.
Ripon City Council is in the process of writing to North Yorkshire County Council, calling for the four properties at Bedern Court to be demolished.
In the meantime, Bedern Court Ltd (BCL) - a not-for-profit company controlled by owners and leaseholders with houses and apartments in the 29-unit development - has installed the steel fence (pictured above) inside the courtyard to keep people away from the affected block.
The new fencing is in addition to the continuing closure of Peacock's Passage, at the side of Bedern Court on Skellgarths (pictured below).
BCL chair Mat Pritchard, told the Stray Ferret:
"With its worsening state and the risk of collapse or falling masonry and tiles, we have concerns about use of parking spaces close to the property. The fence also prevents access to the block."
BCL has set up a wardens group to keep an eye on the block, which was has remained empty since its evacuation more than a year ago.
Mr Pritchard pointed out:
"They will advise of any further deterioration that they witness and we will continue to liaise with all relevant authorities."
At its full meeting earlier this month, Ripon City Council agreed to write to NYCC, calling for it to demolish the stricken block on the grounds of public safety.
At the meeting, council leader Andrew Williams, said:
“The movement of the affected block caused by sinkhole activity in the area is gaining speed and the implications for public safety are enormous.
“The block fronts onto the public highway and pavement and the potential impact of collapse and possibility of opening up of more damaging sinkholes in neighbouring areas cannot be ignored.
“If the perilous state of the building means it’s not safe to walk along Peacock’s Passage, it can’t be safe to walk or drive past it on Skelgarths. It needs to be demolished as quickly and safely as possible.”
BCL, which is still awaiting settlement of a long-standing insurance claim relating to the affected block, has provided its insurers with reports from a monitoring engineer and geologist in support of the claim.
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