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Available for over a year

Local businesses on the frustration and disruption caused by a major fire on Newcastle Street in Middleport - and their hopes that, after three months, the road could finally be reopened. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We understand that residents and businesses are frustrated with the situation but we would like to reassure everybody that we are one step closer to getting the road reopened. We are working as quickly as we can to make the area safe. “Cranes and other heavy machinery will start to arrive on-site so we can start the demolition and, once the initial surveys have been completed, we will be able to provide you with an update as to when the road will be fully reopened. “We would ask you to please bear with us while this essential work is carried out and we thank you for your continued patience.” Cllr Ashworth added: “The law around demolishing privately-owned properties is complex. It has taken far too long to sort this out. “To make sure the council has done everything it can, in the quickest time span, a review of our policies is underway to investigate ways of speeding up the process.”