Ceiling collapses at Shirehall

Part of the ceiling has collapsed at Hereford Shirehall.

Some of the timbers and plaster collapsed in court room one at the 19th century building on St Peter’s Square.

The grade II* listed hall is where Herefordshire Council holds its meetings and is also home to Hereford Crown Court.

Court cases due to be heard at Hereford are understood to be moved to Worcester.

However, council meetings should be unaffected as they are currently held online.

Local councillor Jeremy Milln said it was fortunate there were no casualties.

“It collapsed Sunday before last and fortunately there was nobody in at the time with the lockdown and being a Sunday. Otherwise there would have been some dead bodies.

“It wasn’t just plaster this time but all the structure came down with it in court room 1.

“The timber joists fell as well.

“I’ve been trying to get some idea as to what caused this sudden and catastrophic collapse.

“I’ve asked when the last routine architect’s inspection was carried out and what that flagged up because buildings of this quality ought to be inspected every five years.”

Last year, council workers and councillors had to be relocated after part of the ceiling collapsed at Shirehall.

On that occasion it affected the children’s services offices and the members room.