Riverside House in Northwich not dangerous say council

Riverside House in Winnington has been an empty for decades and its dilapidated condition caused fresh concern last week, after photo’s showing considerable cracks in the brickwork.

When approached for comment, John Fifield - one of the building’s owners - said the cracks weren’t new and were not a cause for concern.

After the photo was shared on social media it gained plenty of attention, including from councillors representing the town, who were quick to act, raising the issue with the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

A surveyor representing CWAC went out to visit the property last week at their request and following an inspection, concluded it was “stable” and not deemed to be dangerous.

Photos of the cracks were shared on social media last week

However, a spokesman for CWAC – who also carried out an inspection last summer – have contacted the owners to recommend they have it inspect by their own surveyor and carry out any repairs considered necessary.

The CWAC spokesman said: “The principal surveyor for the borough visited the building last week to carry out an inspection and concluded that the building is stable and is not deemed dangerous.

“The council has contacted the registered owner of the building advising them of its condition and recommending they have it inspected themselves by their own surveyor and implement any repairs necessary to keep it from becoming dangerous.”