Henderson Old Hall clear-up to begin months after fire

No coverings have been installed to protect Henderson Old Hall from the elements

A clear-up is set to begin at the scene of a devastating fire, months after the blaze happened.

Newcastle University has confirmed work is due to get under way to deal with the aftermath of the huge fire at Henderson Old Hall last summer.

The roof of the disused former halls of residence, a Grade II listed building, was virtually destroyed.

But concerns have grown for the future of the building since the blaze, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

With the full extent of the fire damage unclear, locals and former students fear the building in High Heaton could deteriorate beyond repair.

The university said initial assessments following the fire in June had "proved more complex than initially thought" but has now announced contractors will move on to the site at the end of January to remove debris and fire-damaged material.

Scaffolding and other supports will then be installed by early April to help protect against further damage.

The university added that officials will then "be able to begin more detailed investigations and further surveys to identify and record the extent of damage to the building", though the long-term future of the site remains unclear.