Reconstruction work is underway on a historic building in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

Located in the Newcastle Town Centre Conservation Area, the building had experienced structural damage to its upper section. This had become a safety issue.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council says council officers have been liaising with the owner to ensure it is made safe and will approve the works in line with building regulations once completed.

Planning permission for the work - which includes partial demolition and rebuild of a wall - was granted earlier this year. The work has now started after "some delays".

A spokesperson for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said: "While scaffolding extends into the street due to the height of the building and safety risk of building collapse, this can be redesigned and amended as works progress."

Jonathan Gullis, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader and Cabinet member for Planning and Town Centres, said: "We want our High Street to be vibrant and attractive as it continues to attract visitors and future investment and so protecting it as an asset to the borough is a priority to us.

"This is a prominent and historic building which has suffered structural damage, though work is now under way to repair it.

"Our officers liaised with the owner due to its location within the conservation area and ongoing safety risks mean the extensive scaffolding is necessary.

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"While there have been some delays by the owner in getting works up and running, we now look forward to seeing them progress as quickly and efficiently as possible."