Major south London road closed over dangerous building fears

Fears over a “dangerous” building are set to close a road in Peckham for at least a week.

Residents have been moved into hotels and pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists are banned from using the street until the site has been secured.

James McAsh, the Green leader of Southwark council, said: “I know the closure of Rye Lane is deeply disruptive for residents, businesses, visitors and everyone in Peckham and beyond.

“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding while urgent work is carried out to make the former cinema site safe.

“Our immediate priority is public safety. We are working at pace with structural engineers, building control, highways, TfL and contractors to stabilise the site.”

Rye Lane i

Southwark council

Emergency supporting scaffolding has been installed at the Tower Cinema Gateway while contractors to secure the site.

Police have been in the area stopping people to stop people from using the road since Thursday night.

Mr McAsh added: “We have already arranged hotel accommodation and support for residents who have had to leave their homes, and we will continue to work with them, landlords and insurers so that people are not left without help while it remains unsafe to return.

“Residents are also being supported to collect essential belongings from their homes where it is safe to do so.

“We also recognise the serious impact on local businesses. Council officers are speaking to affected businesses to understand what they need, including access, deliveries, signage and practical support while the closure is in place.”

Bus routes 36,136,171,436, N89, N136 and N171 towards Camberwell have been diverted.

TfL said it is updating its journey information and signage.

The Tower Cinema Gateway was built in 1914 and closed in 1956.

The auditorium was demolished and replaced by the Choumert Grove Car Park, which is operated by Southwark council, and the remaining tower used as an entrance from the High Street.