AFTER last week’s sudden closure of The Manor House due to a ceiling collapse, the building has now reopened.

Part of the ceiling in the Town Council offices collapsed on June 16. A review by the council's surveyor and building control officers determined the cause was likely degradation of the 200-year-old nails failing within the lath and plaster used to construct the ceiling, and it was not connected to the recent dry rot remedial works in the room above.

A spokesperson for the council explained: ‘Safety for staff and members of the public was paramount and an inspection of all ceilings within the Manor House was undertaken and found to be in a generally satisfactory order.

‘Whilst there were superficial cracks expected to be found in a building of this nature, the majority of instances were such that the ceiling was found to be secure with no significant flexing. Remedial works to two areas identified will be addressed in the short term and does not give any increased risk.

It has been recommended that whilst the dry rot works come to an end in room 4A and B, those rooms directly beneath (the Mayor's Parlour, and Town Council Offices) are not used until the conclusion of these works as a precautionary measure. The works are currently estimated to take up to six weeks. Town Council staff will continue to work from home and can be contacted by telephoning 01626 863388, or emailing [email protected] in this period.

Any hirers affected by the need to close the Mayor’s Parlour will be contacted directly by the Town Council.

All other rooms can be booked by contacting the Council using the details above. The Town Council thanked all room hirers for their patience and understanding during this time.