A city centre road that has been closed since yesterday morning is expected to remain so for two more days.

North Street, Brighton, has been cordoned off between Queen’s Road and Portland Street since strong winds caused issues with the roof of the Boots store. There is a "Footpath closed" sign on the pavement.

An unsafe structure on the roof of Boots could become detached and fall onto the road below.

Now, the council has confirmed the road closure is likely to remain until after lunchtime on Friday, April 12.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “The road is closed due to an unsafe structure on the roof of Boots which could become detached and fall onto the road below.

“This presents a very real and serious hazard to both pedestrians and vehicles using North Street and Windsor Street.”

The council said it is possible that bad weather could delay repair works and mean the road is closed for longer.

Councillor Trevor Muten, chairman of the transport and sustainability committee, said: “The strong winds during Storm Kathleen earlier this week have caused damage to Boots roof requiring the closure of North Street in order to undertake urgent repairs.  

“We wish to thank residents and businesses for their continued cooperation and patience while this is underway.

The Argus: “We are working with Boots who are responsible for making the roof structure secure. They have told us that they are engaging contractors and the timescale is being agreed today.  

“We’ve stressed to Boots the urgency of these repairs and of re-opening the roads affected for pedestrians, bus passengers and businesses.” 

A spokeswoman for Boots said: “The Boots store in North Street in Brighton remains open for customers via the Queen’s Road entrance. We are working hard to resolve the roofing issue, which was caused by high winds in the area as quickly and as safely as possible.”  

The Argus understands the council will be contacting affected residents and businesses. It will be asking businesses within the cordon to remain closed to protect their customers and staff.

Buses which use the road will remain on diversion until the road reopens.