Cockermouth building evacuated after damage by heavy rain

The building has been shut for the foreseeable future over fears a cracked wall could collapse

A building owner has been forced to close the riverside venue after recent heavy rain left its rear wall on the verge of collapse.

Alan Jackson, of the Grade II-listed Old Court House in Cockermouth, said downpours caused cracks in the building and he could not risk any injuries.

He said he did not expect to be able to return any time soon to the building, which sits on the River Cocker.

Allerdale Council and the Environment Agency are monitoring the building.

'Bricks and mortar'

Mr Jackson said: "The rear wall has been compromised which means that cracks have opened up internally and externally at the back of the building.

"This is causing worry that the wall might collapse.

"Bricks and mortar can be repaired but human life is a wonderful thing and I feel that the risks of somebody being hurt if the wall collapsed mean it's much better that we are closed."

George Cherian, who runs The Honest Lawyer restaurant, in the Old Court House said he was confident it could be fixed but he believed it could take a while.