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PRAYERS ANSWERED: Major St Albans road reopened months after it was forced to close

 Published on: 22nd August 2019   |   By: News Desk   |   Category: Uncategorized

A major road in St Albans has reopened two months ahead of schedule after a dangerous building was made safe.

Old London Road was closed off in May this year, near the junction with Watson’s Walk after St Albans City and District Council’s building control team identified a barn at risk of collapse.

There was concern that in such an event, debris could suddenly crash onto the adjoining pavement and part of the road.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), the highways authority, was informed and a decision was taken to shut both path and road to ensure the safety of passing pedestrians and motorists.

The closure resulted in considerable inconvenience as it turned Old London Road into a dead end. Residents, businesses and visitors had to use alternative routes to get to and from addresses.

Council officers traced the barn owners to make them aware of their legal responsibility to carry out essential work to make the building safe.

Initial efforts were unsuccessful and the Council was preparing to apply to Magistrates’ Court for permission to access the private property and secure it.

However, after persistent approaches by the Council, the owner agreed to undertake the remedial work.

A scaffolding firm has now shored up the structure to make it safe.

Councillor Jamie Day, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “I am delighted this saga has been brought to an end and the barn has been made safe.

“I know that the road closure was causing considerable distress to people in the area as it is a vital City Centre route.”

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