This is the moment part of a roof hanging by a thread from a derelict Debenhams building came crashing down in the city centre.
A fire crew was scrambled to Sun Street in Canterbury, near the Cathedral, this evening as wood was seen hanging from one of the former department store sites opposite the El Sol tapas bar.
Concerns were raised about the unsafe section of the roof, with fears it could fall on those walking below.
A fire engine arrived shortly after 6pm this evening.
A firefighter mounted a ladder and – barely using any force – removed some material and the chunk of wood crashed down to the ground below.
Other bits from the roof could also be seen falling as the crew member worked to make the area safe.
The crew left at about 6.20pm.
Former staff were left heartbroken when Debenhams closed its doors in the city in 2020.
The former retail giant had been a major presence in Canterbury for 47 years, spanning three buildings that fronted the high street, Guildhall Street, Buttermarket and Mercery Lane.
In December, a huge fire broke out at the derelict department store in Guildhall Street, forcing 30 people to be evacuated from their homes.
Plans to transform the former Debenhams store in Canterbury were first unveiled five years ago, with hopes of seeing the building redeveloped into 74 flats and 12 shops.
But the fate of the redevelopment was up in the air following the huge fire which saw firefighters battle flames for hours.
Since then, delays – largely thanks to water pollution issues at Stodmarsh and the Covid pandemic – have seen costs increase and many have become cynical over the chances of seeing the plans come to life.
Speaking of this evening’s incident, a fire service spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a bit of loose fascia hanging from the roof of a store on Sun Street in Canterbury.
“One fire engine attended and crews used a ladder to safely remove this.
“There were no reported injuries.”
