New roof to be lifted into place after fatal fire

Works to secure a historic building badly damaged by a fire in January which killed its owner are expected to take place on Tuesday.

Shropshire Council said new roof spans would be lifted by crane on to Perches House on Windsor Place, Shrewsbury.

The overnight fire was caused by a phone battery and claimed the life of Rose Roberts.

The authority said there would be disruption to parking, but longer-term road restrictions should ease once the job was completed.

The scaffolding work is being carried out under an Urgent Works Notice to provide a temporary roof over the Grade II* listed building, to protect both it and the adjoining properties, and is now nearing completion.

Parking will be suspended during the work on St Mary's Place, and for residents of nearby Watergate Mansions.

The council hoped the crane crew would complete its work by Tuesday afternoon or evening.

It added: "This will conclude the majority of the scaffolding works and, with the exception of the ongoing closure of a section of Windsor Place, the disruption will then reduce."

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