Work is nearing completion on a fire hit Stoke-on-Trent building which has caused a road closure since April. Westport Road in Burslem has been closed after an arson attack at the old Wade Ceramics site on April 27.

Now work is in the final stage in allowing the road to reopen since the attack. Complexities in making the Grade II listed building safe have extended the time it has needed to take to carry out the work.

The site has remained vacant since 2010 when Wade Ceramics moved to a new headquarters in Festival Park. The building, which dates back to 1814 has attracted rough sleepers in recent years as the future of the site remains unclear.

Now developer Miller Homes who owns the site says the installation of scaffolding is the final step in making the structure safe, which will allow the road to reopen. 

A spokesperson for Miller Homes: "Following the fire on Westport Road, our priority has been ensuring the safety of the public. Demolition works have been completed to reduce the height of the building where it was deemed unsafe. 

"Scaffolding will be installed, and this is the final step in making the site safe to allow the road to reopen as soon as possible. We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as we complete these essential safety measures."

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance said: "Contractors have been carrying out emergency repairs and demolition work at the former Wade Ceramics factory on Westport Road, Burslem.

"Miller Homes, which owns the site, has been working on the badly fire-damaged four-storey building next to Westport Road. As the former factory site is Grade II listed, the work has been more complex and required specialist teams to ensure that it is carried out correctly.

"The site works are now nearing completion. Some additional scaffolding is required to prevent any falling debris that could remain. Once these works are complete, the road can reopen to traffic. Our priority is to make sure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible so that the road can reopen and public safety is maintained at all times."