Work starts on stabilising collapsed building

Work has started to stabilise a derelict building in Leeds city centre which caved in.

The front of a former shop on Kirkgate collapsed on 12 April at about 16:00 BST, with eyewitnesses describing the fact no-one was hurt or killed as "a miracle".

Contractors were seen working on the building on Friday, with debris being safely removed from the roof.

Kirkgate remains closed to traffic, with the adjoining Harper Street also shut to vehicles.

Leeds Civic Trust said a Leeds United mural, which stood next to the building, had been saved and would be given to the Leeds United Supporters' Trust.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “Contractors engaged by the site owner have begun the process of dismantling part of the building and stabilising the rest of it.

“The council’s building control and conservation team is liaising with both the contractors and the owner."

They added: “We thank people living and working in the area for their patience while the work is carried out.”

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