JD Sports forced to close due to public safety fears after cladding crashes onto Fishergate pavement
A number of cladding panels reportedly crashed onto Fishergate pavement yesterday evening (February 4).
Pictures show a patchwork of missing cladding on the face of the store, with some of the heavy plastic panels appearing to have fallen around 20ft from near the roof.
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Hide AdA safety cordon has been put in place around its entrance, with 6ft high metal barriers extending across the pavement outside.
The store manager said JD Sports is unlikely to open today and will remain closed until further notice.
"We are unlikely to open today, as we are still awaiting repairs to be carried out on the exterior cladding", said the store manager.
"We are hoping to possibly open tomorrow, but we can't be sure of this and the store remains closed until further notice.
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Hide Ad"However, we are confident that we will be back open for the weekend."
Preston City Council said the store will remain closed until it is "deemed to pose no further risk to the public".
Natalie Beardsworth, head of building control at Preston City Council, said: "We are aware of the fallen cladding at JD Sports on Fishergate and are working with the landlord to ensure the site poses no risk to the public.
"The store is currently closed and the surrounding area fenced off to protect members of the public.
"A cherry picker will be on site to inspect the remaining cladding and remove any further loose tiles.
"Once the site is deemed to pose no further risk to the public it will be reopened."