More details revealed about closure of King Street in Oldham

The stretch of town centre road closed to traffic in March, following the dramatic building collapse.

After four months, residents have raised concerns about the prolonged closure, particularly due to the closure of the nearby Oldham Way for maintenance and the effect this is having on traffic.

The issue has also attracted the attention of MP Jim McMahon, who has called for “urgent action”.

He has said that he has been met with council officers and written to the owners of both the collapsed building and the adjoining property at 29 King Street.

In a statement to The Oldham Times, the council has said the “insurance and liability issues” have delayed the opening of the street.

It added it is continuing to pressure both the owners of the collapsed building, which is owned by a company owned by Cllr Kamran Ghafoor, and the owner of the neighbouring property at 29 King Street, to resolve the issue.

King Street remains closed following the building collapse in March (Image: The Oldham Times)

A spokesperson said: "The council's focus remains on ensuring that the building is made safe and that the conditions are in place for King Street to reopen at the earliest opportunity.

“Where necessary, the council is using its powers to require action and will continue to consider all available options to protect public safety and minimise disruption to residents, businesses and visitors.

"In terms of investigations into the incident itself, it is important to note that any health and safety investigation would be the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), not the council. As the enforcing authority, the HSE would determine any action required.

"We recognise the frustration this situation is causing and understand the concerns raised by local businesses, residents and elected representatives.

“We remain committed to working with all relevant parties to bring the matter to a resolution and to facilitate the safe reopening of the road as soon as possible."

Oldham Group party leader, Cllr Ghafoor, has also issued a statement to The Oldham Times.

He said that his company has “done everything reasonably within our power to facilitate the reopening of the road and to make the site safe”.

Mr Ghafoor claimed to have had 'no substantive response' from the neighbouring property, which had 'not cooperated with works' that would allow the building to be made safe.

The Oldham Times has also spoken to the owner of the commercial property at 29 King Street, Mohammed Nasir Mughal.

He said that his solicitor has contacted Cllr Ghafoor’s company, but claims that he has not received a response.

Mr Ghafoor has confirmed that his company has been contacted by Mr McMahon and requested a face-to-face meeting.

He added: “We remain ready and willing to proceed with the required works as soon as the necessary cooperation from 29 King Street is forthcoming, so that the road can be reopened safely and without further delay.”