Road closed near Deepdale Stadium as strong winds cause damage

Deepdale Stadium is due to be inspected again by the fire service Pic: Paul Melling

A road in the shadow of Deepdale Stadium has been closed due to concerns about part of the stadium falling to the ground below.

Preston North End’s ground had crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service called out around 3.30pm on Thursday (1 March).

A piece of metal sheet cladding had come loose and was flapping in the wind – with gusts of up to 50mph sweeping into the city as Storm Emma arrives.

Firefighters from Preston, Chorley and Bamber Bridge used an aerial platform and specialist equipment to remove part of the cladding and make the Northern end of the stadium safe.

At 1.14pm on Friday (2 March) fire crews were called back to the stadium.

A further inspection of the roof showed the condition of the cladding on top of the stadium roof had deteriorated.

A spokesman for the fire service said due to the current weather conditions they are not able to use the aerial ladder platform to inspect the roof and make the scene safe.

Bill Shankly Crescent has been closed until the weather conditions improved and the metal sheeting can be secured.

Preston North End are playing away at Bolton this weekend so Deepdale is not in use.

A weather warning of snow and ice, and strong winds, remains in force until Saturday (3 March) evening.