Tower in danger of collapse due to strong winds

Sections of the former church have fallen onto the road

The tower of a former church is in danger of collapsing due to strong winds caused by Storm Pia.

Emergency services are in attendance at Tower Club, a former leisure facility that was once a church.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said "falling debris" was causing a risk to the public and has closed nearby roads.

A yellow weather warning is in place for high winds until 21:00 GMT on Thursday.

Road closed

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said they were called at 10.12 GMT on Thursday "to what was formerly known as St Cuthbert's Church where the tower is being affected by the strong winds and parts are collapsing".

"Due to falling debris and public safety, the A66 slip road onto Newport Road is closing until further notice and A66 east slip road to Cannon Park also being closed," they said.

"Two crews from Middlesbrough Fire Station are at the location to provide any assistance needed alongside Cleveland Police."

The road has been closed to protect the public

The building is the former St Cuthbert's Church on Newport Road and is passed by motorists travelling on the A66.

It was previously known as the Phoenix before becoming the Tower Club.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.

'Keep safe'

The Chapel, a bar located next door to Tower Club, has closed due to the damaged caused to its neighbouring building.

A spokesperson for the business said: "We have taken the decision to close this evening as we wait for the full assessment and advice from the structural engineers who are working at the site.

"The whole road to our premises has been shut as precaution due to falling debris please avoid the area and keep safe in the windy weather."