Engineers gain access inside Cockermouth Old Courthouse

Much of the back of the Old Courthouse fell into the River Cocker in October

Structural engineers have been able to get inside the Old Courthouse in Cockermouth after the council was granted a warrant to gain entry.

The back of the Grade II-listed building fell into the River Cocker early on 8 October.

A warrant of entry was granted on Monday at Workington Magistrates' Court.

Cumberland Council said it needed access to the building as assessments had to be carried out urgently.

The Old Courthouse is about 190 years old and has not been used since 2021.

A covered walkway is allowing pedestrians to cross the River Cocker

The council said it informed the owner of the property that they required access and would soon be serving a further notice using section 54 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

It enables a local authority to carry out urgent works for the preservation of listed buildings after giving notice to the owner.

The council had previously issued a notice setting out what the owner had to do to remove imminent danger.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "This is a complex site and public safety is our main priority.

"We need to determine what bracing is required to the building before removal of any debris can be carried out to the rear of the property. If the internal structure isn't braced that can lead to a further collapse.

"As there an urgency to carry out the assessment, the court has given us permission to enter the site."

Fencing and a covered walkway across the Cocker bridge were installed as part of emergency work after the partial collapse of the building last month.

The bridge continues to be closed to traffic, which has had an impact on trade, businesses have said..