THE roof of the old Radcliffe Times building has partly collapsed in high winds.

Church Street West is shut in Radcliffe because of the collapse of a section of the roof and the front of the building this morning.

Nobody was injured in the incident and the building's owners are sending a team to inspect the area, but Bury Council say the road may remain closed "for some time."

The vacant building, which was erected in 1899, was previously gutted by a fire in 2009.

Eugene O'Donnell, who runs the nearby New Button garment alterations shop, said: "If somebody had been under that as the roof fell then they would have been killed.

"There was a meeting of the township forum last year, where I complained about the state of that building.

"There were broken shards of glass hanging from the windows at the top, and a couple of days later they were boarded up.

"It is not good enough, things like this should not be happening.

"I walk past the Radcliffe Times building every day and it makes me quite angry that this can happen."

It is not currently known how long the road will be closed to drivers for, but pedestrians are able to walk past at the moment.

A council spokesman said: "Church Street West in Radcliffe is still closed to motorists, and may remain closed for some time, after part of the former Radcliffe Times building fell down in the early hours of today.

"Bury Council's building control team have been on site and declared the building unsafe, which means the road has had to be closed to through traffic from Spring Lane to Seymour Street. Vehicles are being diverted via Spring Lane – Water Street – Pilkington Way – Dale Street and vice versa.

"Currently pedestrian access is being maintained on the north side of Church Street West (on the side of the health centre) but this will be reviewed on a half-hourly basis should the wind again increase.

"Contractors for the building's owners are expected to be carrying out work this afternoon to remove the remaining and unsafe sections of the high level brickwork.

"Following the removal of the immediate danger, a structural survey of the remainder of the building will be carried out to determine the next steps. It may mean that Church Street West will need to remain closed beyond today."

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart said: "Church Street West will be closed for the next few days in the immediacy to ensure the safety of the public and whilst a decision is made about how and if we can make the building safe. 

"Please be aware that this is likely to have significant effects on travel time into Radcliffe especially if you are commuting. 

"It would be advisable to look to plan alternative routes or traveling from other metrolink stops or leaving earlier to allow for lengthy delays. 

"The council will post further updates as soon as possible and via press."