A council has used emergency powers to send in a contractor to shore up an historic grade II listed building with a dangerously cracked frontage.
The High Street, in Uckfield, had to be closed to traffic while the work was carried out to the old Maiden’s Head Hotel.
Part of the building dates from the 18th century and part of it is 19th century, making it among the oldest in the area. It was listed in 1953.
Today (Friday 21 March), Wealden District Council spelt out the steps that it had taken to support the building as well as to keep people safe.
It said: “Wealden District Council has intervened after reports of a dangerous structure along Uckfield High Street.
“The condition of the front wall of a property on Uckfield High Street was brought to the attention of Wealden District Council Building Control by a local resident on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
“Since then, several further residents have contacted us with their concerns.
“Site visits by a qualified building inspector have been taking place since Tuesday 4 February to assess and monitor the situation.
“Our primary concern throughout is public safety.
“After exhaustive but unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner, it was decided to use our emergency powers under section 78 of the Building Act 1984 to take such action as necessary and reasonable to remove this potential danger.
“On Thursday 20 March (yesterday) a report was commissioned and received from a qualified structural engineer and this confirmed the need to provide temporary support to the façade of the building.
“A temporary highway closure was put in place by East Sussex Highways on Thursday 20 March to provide protection to the public while the situation could be further reviewed with a private contractor engaged by the East Sussex Building Control Partnership.
“Giving consideration to the listed status of the building, local businesses and lack of access, temporary support will be provided on the afternoon of Friday 21 March from the exterior only.
“This will need to extend on to the public highway.
“This will involve partial closure of the road and traffic management but will enable local businesses to stay open and also provide access on the opposite pavement for pedestrians.
“This will temporarily remove any danger to the public.
“However, further actions will be required involving repair to provide a permanent solution and remove these restrictions.”
