Home   Ashford   News   Article

Properties near falling masonry site 'may get warning letters' in Folkestone town centre

A woman was injured by falling masonry at an estate agents in Folkestone. Picture: @Kent_999s on Twitter
A woman was injured by falling masonry at an estate agents in Folkestone. Picture: @Kent_999s on Twitter

Property owners on a bustling street where a concrete block fell on a young woman may now get safety warning letters.

Shepway District Council may contact neighbouring owners after the 20-year-old was struck down by masonry from an estate agents in Folkestone town centre yesterday afternoon.

A council inspector has now confirmed the Black and White Estates building as safe but a number of neighbouring properties in Sandgate Road, Folkestone may be contacted.

A Shepway District Council spokesman said: “Our principal building control officer visited the site.

"He inspected the building and is satisfied that it is now safe.

“The maintenance and safety of buildings are the responsibility of the owner.

An area around the shop was cordoned off after the woman was injured. Picture: @Kent_999s on Twitter
An area around the shop was cordoned off after the woman was injured. Picture: @Kent_999s on Twitter
Emergency services at the scene of the incident in Sandgate Road, Folkestone. Picture: Joe Brady
Emergency services at the scene of the incident in Sandgate Road, Folkestone. Picture: Joe Brady

“We are considering writing to owners of properties of a similar age in Sandgate Road to highlight the importance of regular maintenance checks.”

Shepway council said it otherwise was not taking further action.

Neither the police nor Health and Safety Executive is involved in investigating this.

The woman was hit by the slab at about 12.35pm.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taking by land ambulance to The Leas, where an air ambulance was waiting.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust confirmed it had flown the victim to King’s College Hospital in London.

She arrived there within the hour and was described as having head, abdomen and upper arm injuries.

Police, who had also been at the scene with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, had cordoned off the area as horrified shoppers looked on at the unfolding drama.

Officers today said the woman’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

We contacted Black and White Estates who did not want to comment.

The air ambulance landed in Folkestone. Picture: Joe Brady
The air ambulance landed in Folkestone. Picture: Joe Brady
Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More