Falling masonry prompts footpath closure

The footpath beside the Old Junction Hotel in Oamaru has been closed to the public after reports of falling masonry.

Waitaki District Council regulatory manager Steven May said a complaint about the building was made by a member of the public in August, after a piece of masonry the size of two standard bricks had fallen.

The building had been vacant for many years and a lack of maintenance was apparent, Mr May said.

An initial inspection found a state of disrepair poor enough to require further assessment from a qualified engineer, he said.

The Regulatory Services Group is working with the owner to ensure the building meets the standards required by the Building Act 2004.