Work under way to shore up fire-ravaged buildings

The SDNPA said a crane has been on site to enable detailed inspections of the buildings to take place

Work is under way to secure a number of buildings more than two months on from a devastating fire in West Sussex.

The blaze started in a property in North Street, Midhurst, on 15 March, before spreading to the roof of the Angel Inn hotel next door.

The hotel was housing Ukrainian refugees at the time of the fire.

Residents have expressed frustration at the disruption, caused by the closure of the main A-road through the town.

The work, involving specialist contractors, was commissioned by a multi-agency group to shore up the 400-year-old hotel and adjoining properties.

The loss of trade caused by the road closure prompted local businesses to hold a demonstration calling for its reopening and for the hotel façade to be demolished.

But authorities have argued this would take months due to the hotel being legally protected by its Grade II-listed status.

Specialist contractors started work on the site on 15 May

One resident, Sally Blunt, told BBC South Today said she was "very relieved" that work was under way as "businesses were suffering" as a result.

"It was getting a bit of a dead town," she added.

Chichester District Council had previously issued about 30 grants to support businesses affected.

One business owner, Laura Jandac, said trade for her had fallen by about 50%, and one day her shop took just £21.

She said: "We've had to reduce the hours of staff as we're not earning the money to cover their costs."

Work is expected to take up to about seven weeks and the road is expected to reopen in early to mid July.

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) described it as a "complex project" with "significant health and safety considerations".

"The specialist contractors have to design and install support scaffolding to the facades of both listed buildings to prevent their collapse," they added.

Trevor Beattie, SDNPA chief executive, said: "The priority is to address the urgent need of the people of Midhurst, the businesses of Midhurst, to get the road reopened and the façade secured."