A FOUR-STOREY scaffolding rig supporting a derelict shop collapsed across a major road in Wirral yesterday.

The metal scaffold fell at about 3.45pm at the old Co-op, on Cleveland Street, Birkenhead, casting bricks, metal scaffolding and concrete out into a busy thoroughfare.

No one was hurt but those at the scene believe some of the roofing collapsed bringing the support structure down.

Merseyside Police and Wirral council building services were mobilised and cordoned the street off at its junction with Duke Street.

Tony Fowler, of Hoylake, was driving past. He said: “I was just turning left on to Duke Street when a big crowd came running out of Christie’s pub. I stopped and the scaffolding had come down all over the road.”

Those at the pub spoke of their shock at the collapse and relief that it had not had more devastating results.

Landlady Pat Cotgrave said: “It’s a good job no-one was there, it would have killed anyone in the way.”

A council spokes-person said: “We agreed a strategy with the building owner to get the road cleared and reopened as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.”

Demolition work has been taking place since a fire last year further weakened the structure.