Timber supports have been brought in to prop up the walls of the Beecroft Art Gallery while workers assess the extent of subsidence at the building.

Shored up - support struts at the Beecroft Art Gallery Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The shoring is holding up a corner of the Victorian gallery in Station Road, Westcliff, but it is open to the public as usual.

Southend museums manager John Skinner said: "The shoring is rather ugly but it is there to maintain the safety of the building and so we can still use all the rooms of the gallery.

"It is a safety measure while an assessment is carried out to ascertain the extent, cause and position of the movement.

"It is perfectly safe but unsightly. No activity has been cancelled - all our shows are going ahead as scheduled."

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo