Bridgewater Place wind tunnel effect work delayed

The 367ft (112m) high building was built in 2007

Work to control a wind tunnel effect around Leeds' tallest building that has led to one death and caused several injuries has been delayed.

Edward Slaney, 35, was crushed to death after strong winds toppled a lorry near Bridgewater Place.

Other incidents have included a person suffering a torn liver when they were blown into the corner of a wall.

A potential solution was due to be made public later, but the city council said further planning was needed.

Mr Slaney, of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, died of chest injuries after the lorry fell on him in March 2011. An inquest into his death has been adjourned.

'Not safe'

In March, a council report revealed another 25 "incidents", including people suffering serious injuries, had been caused by winds at the site.

After approving £245,000 of funding to design a solution in February, the council said it had a "moral duty" to prevent another incident.

Mr Slaney's partner Ruth Evans said the delay was disappointing.

An inquest heard there were "freakishly high" wind speeds on the day Mr Slaney was killed

She said: "It obviously was an accident waiting to happen and that accident happened to Ed.

"Until something is actually done that rectifies the situation and solves the problem of the wind that is caused by the building then I don't think it's a very safe area."

Mr Slaney's brother Andrew said: "It seems to be a very slow process, it seems like a long, long time has passed with no real movement.

"It's a real shame the council just don't seem to be moving forward."

In a statement the council said it wanted to find a "comprehensive solution which solves all the wind problems around the building and highway area".

"This involves significant design and wind tunnel testing.

"We are working closely with the owner of Bridgewater Place to achieve this but there is further work to be done before a solution can be presented for members to consider."

The 32-storey Bridgewater Place is 367ft (112m) high and was built in 2007.

Experts believe the problem is caused by the micro climate interacting with the building.