Cockermouth Old Courthouse: All options being explored

Damage to the privately-owned building is being assessed

Agencies are considering all options as work on a partially-collapsed listed building continues.

The back of the Old Courthouse in Cockermouth fell into the River Cocker early on 8 October.

Cumberland Council said it was working with partner groups to finish work on the site as quickly as possible.

The Environment Agency is continuing to monitor river levels, with fallen debris "likely to slightly increase flood risk".

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

The Grade II listed building is about 190 years old and has not been used since 2021.

The building has not been used since 2021

The council was granted a warrant of entry for the building at Workington Magistrates' Court at the end of October.

It previously said it had told the owner of the property that it 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 to preserve listed buildings after giving notice to the owner.

The council has described the site as "highly complex", with issues such as its location and listed status affecting the available options.

'Debris in the river'

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "Alongside partners, we are exploring all possible options for the site. As it is a listed building, adjacent to a river course and land locked, there are complex issues to resolve to ensure all parties are in agreement.

"These assessments are needed as part of the process, and we are legally obliged to do all we can to put in place measures which protect safety as well the fabric of the building and take into consideration the site's location.

"Partner agencies have been extremely supportive and collectively, we are doing all we can to move this work forward as quickly as we can, within the constraints we have to tackle."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "While the debris in the river is likely to slightly increase flood risk, we have put measures in place to manage this and continue to monitor the forecast and river levels, with incident teams ready to respond if needed."

Cocker bridge continues to be closed to traffic.