A MAIN route through Newquay town centre is still closed following storm damage to an under-construction flat development caused by Storm Austen.

Police shut off Narrowcliff as a safety precaution after high winds tore off cladding at the Cliff Edge development on Friday, October 23 at about 5pm.

Storm Austen tore off part of the cladding on the Edge development (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
Storm Austen tore off part of the cladding on the Edge development (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

Cornwall Council stated those responsible for the site are arranging specialist equipment to remove any loose material but due to high winds caused by Storm Boelo the work cannot be carried out safely until it subsides.

The route has been closed off to motorists but people are still able to walk along the road despite the danger of more cladding being blown off the building.

The route has been closed off to motorists but people are still able to walk along the road despite the danger (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
The route has been closed off to motorists but people are still able to walk along the road despite the danger (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

A resident at the scene said: “The building has only been up a year and already cladding is starting to come off.

“I can't believe they have built this development like this in this location. They should known high winds and storms rip through here.

“Some of the glass is also wobbling. If one the panels hit you it would kill you. Even the cladding would put you in hospital. You’d be surprised by weight of them.”

Diversions have been put in place but many drivers have been ignoring the closed road sign. They have been forced to do a U-turn after realising they cannot drive any further down the road. Cornwall Council states it is unlikely the work to make the Cliff Edge development safe and re-open the road will take place before Monday.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Please avoid the area, follow diversion signs and allow extra time for your journey.”