Council in discussions with building owner over footpath at risk of 'collapse'

Shropshire Council is continuing discussions with the owner of the building occupied by a town centre shop in Shrewsbury, to address a structural issue beneath the pavement.

Barriers have been in place outside Joules at the corner of Mardol Head and High Street, since December.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

The footpath was initially closed in June 2025 after concerns were raised about the safety of the structure below ground.

Following assessment by a structural engineer, temporary works were designed and installed, including propping within the basement. This allowed the footpath to safely reopen to pedestrians.

The council said to further reduce risk, protective sand-filled bollards that were installed in December are to remain in place.

The bollards were installed on the advice of highways officers to prevent vehicles from mounting the pavement and potentially causing a collapse of the structure below, which could have serious consequences for the building above.

The council’s building control team are talking to the building owner about the permanent repair work that is needed. Until this matter is resolved and permanent repair works can be agreed and carried out, the protective barriers will need to remain in place.

Regular inspections of the safety measures are being carried out, and highways officers respond to reports of any damage or movement of the barriers. Local businesses have also been asked to report any issues as they arise to ensure the measures remain effective.

Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council and councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said: “We fully understand that these barriers have been in place for some time and are frustrating, particularly in such a busy part of the town centre.

“However, they are there for a serious reason. Expert advice is clear that without protections there is a real risk of vehicles mounting the pavement and causing a collapse of the structure beneath, with potentially significant consequences.

“We have taken the steps needed to make the area safe, including installing temporary supports that allowed the footpath to reopen, and we continue to press for a permanent solution. In the meantime, I would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience. It’s important to stress that shops and businesses in this area remain open as usual.”