To close the Merry go Round Day Nursery at Green Croft in Hereford because of Health and Safety concerns, with immediate effect.
• Following a detailed inspection of the internal ceiling and external roofing structure, significant safety-critical defects have been identified. There is active water ingress, visible saturation, and deformation of internal ceiling surfaces, indicating prolonged moisture penetration and loss of structural integrity. Externally, the roof exhibits extensive ponding, membrane failure, and complete ruptures, exposing a rotten roof deck. Evidence confirms that the deck has lost its rigidity and is no longer capable of supporting load or facilitating safe repair works.
• The roof's condition now poses a structural risk. The deterioration is consistent with deck failure, and any further water ingress will accelerate the risk of collapse, posing an unacceptable hazard to building occupants, including children and staff. In its current state, the roof cannot be repaired safely without a complete engineering assessment and controlled strip-out procedures.
• On this basis, the decision has been taken to close the affected area on safety grounds pending urgent review by a Structural Engineer. This is necessary to prevent potential harm and to ensure that subsequent remedial works can be carried out safely and in compliance with statutory duties.