Inquiry launches as road to re-open after fire

Newcastle Street, Middleport, was closed for three months

An independent review has been launched into a fire which closed a road for almost three months.

Two historic buildings were damaged during the incident in Newcastle Street, Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, on April 7.

The road was closed for safety reasons and specialist engineers brought in to avoid demolishing the structures.

Work to make the buildings safe is now set to take place and Stoke-on-Trent City Council hopes to re-open the road to traffic "early next week".

The review will look into each stage of the process, allowing the council to prevent anything similar from happening again.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We are disappointed that the owners of the building on Newcastle Street did not take responsibility for the building, delaying the re-opening of the road.

“Once the work is completed, we will be seeking recompense from the owners."

“We remain committed to preserving and protecting historic buildings in the city, and will take action against owners who neglect their responsibilities.”