A COB and thatched cottage in Pump Street, Newton St Cyres, collapsed between 5pm and 6pm on Monday, March 16.

It has resulted in the closure of Pump Street to traffic and pedestrians and it is likely that the closure will be in place for some months for safety reasons.

A large amount of cob has fallen into the highway, into the garden at the rear of the property and through the roof of a neighbour’s garage.

A local resident told the Courier: “The property was empty at the time but builders have been working there.

“I saw them removing many wheelbarrow loads from the property which they put in the back garden.

“I know they dug up some of the flooring as well.

“Whether that weakened something I have no idea but it was a lot of earth.

“It happened between 5pm and 6pm last night.

“As well as collapsing into the road it has gone into the back and through the roof of the neighbours garage.

“The cottage roof is now twisted and I think it will probably mean a rebuild.

“The problem is it is probably listed and being cob and thatch is likely to be a very expensive job.

“It is just fortunate that nobody was walking or driving past and that there were no builders in there.

“It could have been really serious if someone had been hurt.”

Road closure signs and barriers have been put in place at the scene and on the A377 approach into Pump Street.

Unusually, motorists using Pump Street from the A377 must drive through a ford, crossing the Shuttern Brook.

Residents at the far end of Pump Street can fortunately exit the road via Sand Down Lane.