I’m deeply concerned by the news of the building collapse on King Street in Oldham today.
My thoughts are with anyone affected, and I want to pay tribute to the emergency services who have responded quickly and professionally to what is a serious incident, and to those providing the emergency rest centre for residents affected.
This was a significant collapse on a busy town centre road near to bus stops and it is usually filled with young people from Oldham Sixth Form College and Oldham College neighbouring it. Its collapse could have easily killed an occupant or passerby, not least of all given the damage caused to a major gas line.
It is self-evident that the building was undergoing building work and it is legitimate to ask if this contributed to its weakening and collapse.
I’ve asked the council to clarify if there was any related prior involvement the property owner or builder and if there were concerns raised before this incident.
This is now the second building on the same King Street row which has collapsed and with it another piece of Oldham’s heritage has been lost.
We will need a full investigation into how this happened, but right now the priority must be the safety and wellbeing of residents, businesses, and those directly affected.
If you are in the area, please follow the advice of emergency services and avoid the immediate vicinity.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 