A 500-metre cordon is in place in Altrincham town centre after a section of the Vue Cinema’s roof blow off.
The fire service was called at 9.30am this morning to reports that part of the Denmark Street cinema roof appeared to be loose, potentially by the strong winds overnight.
Six large corrugated metal sheets have since been found to be detached from the roof, and the fire service is currently working at the scene to make the area safe.
A large piece of the roof has just been detached from the roof of the Vue Cinema on Denmark Street #altrincham pic.twitter.com/1H3JkDAqgt
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) December 18, 2018
A 500-metre cordon is in place encompassing Denmark Street, Goose Green and part of Tesco, causing widespread disruption for businesses in the area.
Numerous emergency service personnel and vehicles remain in attendance as specialist fire fighters work to remove or secure the loose sheeting.
Video from the scene on Denmark Street as the fire service attempt to make the roof safe. The entire area around the Vue Cinema, Goose Green and Tesco is currently cordoned off #Altrincham pic.twitter.com/Y2JOgqqWMh
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) December 18, 2018
A spokesperson for the fire service, which has sent two pumps and one Command Support Unit from Altrincham and Stretford stations, say they are making “good progress”.
It’s understood however that the fire service will be remaining at the scene for some time yet to ensure it is completely safe.
A structural engineer has also been called to the scene.
The incident has meant the cancellation of Northern Rail services between Manchester and Chester, with the fire services determining that the rail line was too close to the scene.
More pictures from the scene:
