Sudden demolition was 'safe and controlled', says builder

The boss of a Preston building firm says the sudden collapse of a shop his company was demolishing was the result of a "co-ordinated" plan with the emergency services - not recklessness.

- by Post Reporter

Mick Patel was speaking after an investigation was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the work carried out by Sapphire Properties Investment Ltd to flatten the former West's carpet and interiors store on Blackpool Road, in Ashton-on-Ribble.

The building was to be turned into a café and flats, but Mr Patel said it was in such a poor state it had to be demolished.