AN ELDERLY woman was rushed to hospital after part of the ceiling in a busy Chester cafe collapsed on top of her.
Staff at The Market Place Cafe in Chester Indoor Market say they got the shock of their lives when a foot suddenly broke through the ceiling, causing roof tiles and a light fixture to fall on to customers while they were eating lunch.
North West Ambulance Service spokesman Fiona Bateson confirmed a 67-year-old woman was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital at about 1.15pm with minor injuries.
Speaking to the Leader after the incident, cafe manager Remon Moriss said the experience should serve as a wake-up call for the council to a growing number of health and safety problems in the ageing building. He said: “A lot of my customers just got up and walked out of the shop not even touching their meals. I doubt a lot of them will come back and I don’t blame them.
“The elderly woman was very upset and crying but was lucky as the collapsed light fixture miraculously missed her face by inches.
“From what I understand there was a construction worker on the floor above who fell off his ladder, and then his foot has come through.
“The whole thing came down over customers. Most of the time there are prams and babies in that section. We were really lucky it wasn’t any worse.”
He added he would have to close off about half of his cafe while repair work was undertaken in the damaged area.
He said: “That’s half of the shop gone. If anything this should prompt the council to step up their act. Now we traders and customers are risking our lives by coming here.”
Kris Rothery, from Frankies Fancy Dress next door, said she was also scared something could happen in her shop as well.
She said: “This is quite a big shock. The council has been on about moving us anyway, but how long is this going to be?
“The whole building is in complete disrepair. There is a lot of seepage of water. Every time it rains there are buckets everywhere. I am concerned the construction workers might come through this bit as well.
“The council are waiting for us all to go off. I understand money is tight but they can’t just look after libraries and such, they have to look after all of us.”
And on the opposite side of the cafe, Joe Farmer, of butchers S J Bebington, said: “It has just been one thing after another in here. Hopefully this will open people’s eyes more and the council will finally do something to help us.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman Ian Callister said: “Contractors were working in the market roof void when a workman lost his footing and dislodged a section of the suspended ceiling.
“Fortunately, the ceiling did not collapse into the café, but remained suspended. However, a piece of roof tile apparently struck a customer who sustained slight injuries and was taken to hospital in an ambulance called by market staff. The café remained open for business.
“The council has initiated an immediate health and safety investigation with the contractors.”