Heavy rain could cause house that partially collapsed to crumble

There is a risk of further collapse after a portion of a centuries old building fell into the street in Lostwithiel at the weekend. The side of the cob building collapsed into the street during heavy rain.

It left a pile of rubbish strewn across the narrow road on Saturday, February 17, but fortunately nobody was harmed. The remains have led to several road closures which have blocked the main route and one-way system through the town centre and Church Lane where part of the building collapsed.

Issuing an update on Tuesday night, Cornwall councillor for the area Colin Martin said the exclusion zone has been extended due to fears about a further potential collapse this week. It’s as heavy rain batters the South West, including a yellow weather warning for Cornwall on Wednesday.

Cllr Martin said: “Structural engineers are worried about possible further collapse during heavy rain this week, so the exclusion zone has been extended. Please respect the barriers which are there for your safety.

“Signage will be installed on Wednesday to reverse the flow of traffic between the social club and the church to enable vehicles on Fore Street to exit onto North Street.” He continued to say that he has asked for two-way traffic to be allowed along the parade to help with traffic issues but is waiting for this to be confirmed.

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A building wall on Church Lane, Lostwithiel has collapsed

“It will mean no parking along there, but that seems like a price worth paying to restore access to Quay Street,” he added. Firefighters were first called to Church Lane on the evening of February 17 to reports that the old cob wall fell away from the building.

Cob is a building material made typically from soil, sand, clay, water, and fibrous organic material such as straw. A lot of traditional old homes in Cornwall are made from cob and if treated well it can last for several generations but can be prone to erosion in periods of heavy wind and rain.

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Foodies Cafe, which is located on the ground floor of the building, has been closed since the collapse. In a message shared on Facebook, it said: “Thank you for all of the kind messages and support regarding the damage to the building.” It said it is waiting for guidance on when it can reopen and an update will be available when the owners know more.