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Search the Public Notice PortalAsbestos-ridden rubble fell from the ceiling of Darlington’s Barclays bank after “significant cracking” was discovered, it has emerged.
Barclays on High Row was forced to close temporarily in February for “urgent repairs” to the Grade II listed building.
But planning documents have now revealed that structural concerns and the unexpected discovery of asbestos in voids in the ceiling sparked the closure.
“Significant cracking” had been found in the ceiling of the banking hall - and, in January, after two openings formed, rubble containing asbestos fell from the ceiling void.
Barclays has remained closed to customers for weeks, and it is not yet known when the bank will reopen - although the branch's website is kept up to date weekly with changes and customers will be notified when it is scheduled to reopen.
The site has a layered ceiling structure including a flat banking hall ceiling, a mezzanine ceiling, and a coffered ceiling (a grid of sunken panels) and a listed ceiling.
An inspection into cracking in the ceiling in December suggested timber props should be installed for safety, planning documents reveal.
A survey in January found no asbestos in the ceiling - but a further inspection days later found two openings in the coffered ceiling and rubble fell to the floor.
The coffered ceiling was removed and widespread asbestos found.
Plans say any usable historic fragments will be salvaged and the coffered ceiling is planned to be reinstated "like for like".
A spokesperson for Barclays said: "Our Darlington branch is temporarily closed while essential repairs are carried out.
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"In the meantime, customers can manage everyday banking needs - including account queries and a wide range of services - by phone or online.
"Cash and cheque transactions can be completed at the nearest Post Office.
"For those customers who prefer to speak with a colleague, our telephone team is available six days a week: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm."
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