The demolition of a "dangerous" fire-damaged building in a Stoke-on-Trent town centre has been delayed.

Temporary road closures were expected in Longton expected to last from 7pm Friday 17 July to 3pm Monday 20 July for the demolition of the building.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced that the contractor carrying out the demolition "are now unable to carry out the work" and the road closures will no longer be in place.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said in a social media statement: "We have just been made aware that the contractor carrying out the demolition of a dangerous building on market street are now unable to carry out the work.

"This means that the section of Market Street near Times Square will no longer be closed.

"The former commercial premises suffered two fires late last year.

"Since then, our building inspectors have continued to monitor the site and have recently raised concerns about the safety and stability of the remaining structure.

"We have been working with Network Rail and the contractor and will continue working with them for an urgent update"

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The work was originally expected to take place on 11 and 12 July before being rescheduled to this weekend (17 to 20 July). The works have now been delayed once again.

The council spokesperson added: "It was originally expected that the works would take place over the weekend of 11 and 12 July, however, the private contractors commissioned by the building owners to carry out the demolition requested that works be delayed for a week due to logistical issues regarding the machinery they required.

"We apologise for any inconvenience these works might cause but public safety must always come first. We appreciate people's patience and understanding on this matter."