Loose cladding could shut road again for weeks

The leader of the local council has called for a permanent solution to the recurring problem

A town centre road could be shut for weeks after strong winds dislodged cladding on one of its buildings for the third time in as many months.

Leader of Woking Borough Council Ann-Marie Barker called the latest closure "extremely disruptive and frustrating" after loose panelling was spotted on the side of the Hilton Hotel on Victoria Way.

She said she was "very angry" as, earlier in January, the design and build contractor Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) had said that the panels "were now safe and secure".

A spokesperson for SRM said the latest problem had been caused by two recent storms and repair work would take place as soon as possible.

"I'm very angry that another panel has failed on the hotel building despite assurances from SRM earlier this month that the panels were now safe and secure," said Barker.

Thanking the emergency services for their swift attendance, she urged SRM "to progress (with putting things) right as quickly as possible".

Barker added she was "pushing for a permanent resolution so we are not in this situation every time there is an extreme weather event".

Victoria Way previously had to be shut in both directions in November and December, following Storm Bert and Storm Darragh respectively.

It also had to closed due to cladding issues in October 2021, which led to months of disruption.

A spokesperson for SRM apologised, saying that "the aftermath of Storm Herminia on Sunday and Friday's powerful Storm Eowyn" had loosened one cladding panel on the western elevation of the hotel building.

They said that "in order to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians", Victoria Way will remain closed, possibly for " a number of weeks", until repairs and further checks are completed.

"This will be carried out as soon as the wind speeds are within the safe working limits," the spokesperson added.

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