UPDATE: Main road in Highworth remains closed after ‘house collapse’
Residents have been evacuated after the partial collapse of a house in a Wiltshire town.
Emergency services were called to the incident on the A361 Westrop, a main road through Highworth, earlier this evening (Thursday).
Specially trained firefighters were deployed and are working at the scene – with some locals forced to leave their homes for their own safety.
It appears part of the front of a terraced cottage has come away, leaving serious concerns about its structural integrity.
Swindon Borough Council are also present. It’s believed a structural engineer is assessing the damage and risk of a full collapse.
The road is closed in both directions between St Michael’s Avenue and the turning for Westrop as 999 crews attend.
It is expected to remain shut for several hours and potentially into tomorrow morning (Friday, 24 October).