Petworth through road to close for one month after roof damaged

A Petworth road will close for a month after an adjacent roof on the Petworth Estate collapsed.
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The National Trust’s buildings team identified a cracked beam in an historic stable roof which allowed the rafters to sag inwards and tiles to become dislodged.

There is now a ‘significant deformation’ of the roof which requires a more permanent repair.

Park Road will shut from May 17 while repairs take place.

Park Road in Petworth. Picture via Google StreetviewPark Road in Petworth. Picture via Google Streetview
Park Road in Petworth. Picture via Google Streetview
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Sally Matson, chair of Petworth Business Association, said: “It’s a huge shame that this road closure has come right at the time when all businesses are allowed to reopen.

“However, it is really important that we get the message out that Petworth businesses and car parks are all open, and that the town can be accessed from both the north and south, it is just the through route from the south of town that will be closed.

"As is always the case with these kind of works, it is imperative that the signage put in place gives the correct information and is not confusing.”

National Trust general manager, Adam Hastie said: “Please bear with us while we make essential safety repairs to the historic stable building along Park Road.

Park Road will shut from May 17 while repairs take place. SUS-210520-122106001Park Road will shut from May 17 while repairs take place. SUS-210520-122106001
Park Road will shut from May 17 while repairs take place. SUS-210520-122106001
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“On April 23 the roof of our East Range Stable partially collapsed. We worked rapidly to stabilise it with props and are monitoring this, but the stabilisation is only temporary.

“As the building runs along the roadside, it needs an immediate response for safety reasons and we want to save this historic building from further damage.

“Unfortunately, this means a road closure at Park Road and diversion to the one-way system from May 17 for a month. Advance notices of the road closure will be posted very soon.

“We have been liaising with buildings specialists and the local authorities to consider every option.

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“We really appreciate that this is not what any of us would have wanted with businesses only just reopening and we offer our sincere apologies.

“We are grateful for the support of Petworth Town Council, West Sussex Highways and local community groups.

“Together with businesses in Petworth, we remain open as usual and are fully accessible via the diversion. Petworth Park is open for walks and the Pleasure Garden by prebooked tickets.”

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