Huge council update over future of severely fire-ravaged shop on Lord Street in Fleetwood
“If the works remain incomplete, the council will continue to pursue formal action once the court.”
A court hearing over the future of the fire ravaged Ex-Catalogue shop in Fleetwood has been delayed.
Wyre Council had secured a provisional court hearing under Section 77 of the Building Act which was due to take place on Wednesday September 2.
However, due to the matter being delayed pending the court's authorisation of the summons, the council was unable to progress and expects it to be re-listed for a court date next week.
A Section 77 gives a local authority the power to take legal action through a court or tribunal if a building, structure, or part of one is in a dangerous condition or dangerously overloaded.
While the current owners have taken steps towards the required work, the scaffolding installed so far has not been completed to a standard. That gives the council sufficient assurance over the safety of residents, visitors and neighbouring businesses.
A spokesperson for Wyre Council said: “The council remains in regular contact with the building owner and we are continuing to monitor progress on site.
“A new scaffolding contractor has been appointed and work is now well underway, with the scaffolding expected to be fully erected by the end of this week and inspected early next week.
“The council remains committed to ensuring the necessary remedial works are completed making the building and surrounding area safe as quickly as possible.”
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The former catalogue building was severely damaged by fire in June 2026 and has changed ownership twice since the incident.
Following the most recent transfer of ownership, the council contacted the new owners on July 29, giving them 14 days’ notice to carry out essential safety measures.
These included the erection of structural scaffolding to enable repair works and protect the public. The council has said Lord Street cannot be fully reopened until the scaffolding has been properly erected and the necessary repairs completed.
Should the necessary works be completed to the council's satisfaction, a court hearing may no longer be required. However, if the works remain incomplete, the council will continue to pursue formal action once the court.
Wyre Council says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as appropriate.