MID Devon District Council says the collapse of a second structure in central Cullompton has raised concerns over maintenance and repair of cob constructions.

Part of the wall of The King’s Head in High Street, Cullompton, collapsed on Sunday leading to the cordoning off of the area in order to safeguard public safety.

A statement from Mid Devon District Council highlighted their concerns following the recent severe weather conditions.

The statement said: “The Council’s Head of Building Control is co-ordinating with the owner of the property to assess the remaining structure and instigate repairs.

“This case, together with that of Harlequin Valet, in Cullompton, raises the wider issue of the maintenance and repair of buildings and structures constructed of cob, especially given the extreme wet weather experienced this winter and the sensitivity of this construction material to moisture.

“Owners of cob buildings are advised to ensure that they undertake a visual inspection, looking for cracking, movement or water penetration and that they are aware of appropriate techniques of cob maintenance and repair. Further general advice may be gained from the Devon Earth Building Association website – www.devonearthbuilding.com - where guidance leaflets on cob are available.

Should anyone have concerns over a suspected dangerous structure, Mid Devon’s Building Control service should be contacted on 01884 234345 or use our 24 hour emergency number 01884 255255.