Part of King Street in Oldham remains closed to pedestrians and traffic almost four months after a dramatic collapse at 31 King Street left bricks, roof tiles and the contents of a rented flat strewn across the highway and five people injured.
Demolition done but the road stays shut
The damaged building has since been demolished, but the protective barriers and exclusion zone are still in place. Owners of the collapsed property say they have complied with every request from the council and other agencies while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues its investigation.
Neighbouring property holds up repairs
According to the owners — trading as KKS Investors — work cannot proceed until the occupant or owner of the neighbouring address, 29 King Street, signs Party Wall Act paperwork. That delay, they say, is preventing the necessary stabilisation and repair works that would allow the area to be reopened safely.
“From the outset, we have fully complied with every request made by Oldham Council and all other relevant agencies. We have cooperated completely with the ongoing investigations and have done everything asked of us to help move matters forward.”
Local politicians have pressed for clearer timelines. Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton MP Jim McMahon has publicly asked why the closure is taking so long and warned that the ongoing restriction is causing extra congestion and harming nearby businesses.
Impact on traders and commuters
Business owners and commuters told local representatives the diversion and lost footfall are being felt across the town centre. The MP urged a transparent plan for reopening, saying residents deserve to know what is causing the hold-up and when normal access will be restored.
- Incident: Collapse at 31 King Street (March)
- Injuries: Five people hurt in the incident
- Status: Building demolished; neighbouring property paperwork outstanding
- Investigation: Ongoing HSE inquiry
Owners of KKS Investors have also said they offered mediation to resolve the impasse. Council representatives and the HSE are continuing enquiries; no timetable for reopening has been published while these processes continue.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address involved | 31 King Street (collapse) and 29 King Street (neighbouring property) |
| Casualties | Five people injured |
| Current barrier status | Exclusion zone remains in place |
For residents and businesses seeking updates, the most reliable sources remain Oldham Council for safety notices and the HSE for investigation progress. MP Jim McMahon has called for a clear plan and urgent action to get King Street reopened to reduce disruption in the town centre.
Further developments are expected as the Party Wall Act paperwork is pursued and the HSE completes its enquiries; until then the stretch of King Street will remain under restriction.
