A section of Ramsey’s busiest shopping street has been closed.

The town’s commissioners have obtained an emergency road closure for a section of Parliament Street, while investigations take place into the structural safety of the property Auldyn House, 24 Parliament Street.

Planning consent had been received for the refurbishment of the building, which has frontages to Parliament Street and West Quay, and internal works began.

However concerns about the safety of the building were raised by the contractor on site following the recent removal of a section of loose masonry from the Parliament Street elevation.

The closure will be in place to protect the public from danger whilst the building is inspected by Structural Engineers and whilst any subsequent works to make the building safe are undertaken.

A spokesman for the local authority said: ’The commissioners’ paramount concern is the safety of the public within the town and the closure will be limited to the time needed to ensure that the building is made safe.’

An alternative route for traffic will be via Tower Street and Water Street.