Heavy winds sees roof come loose at Grosvenor Casino near Westwood Cross in Thanet
16:02, 26 September 2020
updated: 20:12, 26 September 2020
Heavy winds have prised part of a roof loose at a casino next to Thanet's Westwood Cross shopping centre.
The fire service was at the Grosvenor Casino in Margate Road, Broadstairs.
The incident resulted in the part of the car park next to the shopping centre being closed.
A one-way traffic system meant vehicles were barred from using New Haine Road, past the Sainsbury's superstore in Dadson Way, to reach Westwood Cross.
A member of casino staff told KentOnline this afternoon: "Everyone is ok. We've had really bad winds all day and part of the roof has come away from the building, but it hasn't actually fallen.
"We had a couple of people inside at the time, so they were led outside, and we have closed while the fire service assesses the structure. We thought better safe than sorry and we stopped anyone coming in.
"Part of the car park is sealed off."
Casino management also called in an emergency roofing firm. The venue re-opened just after 5pm.
A police spokesman said officers were called 1.40pm, following a report of damage to the roof.
They added: "Officers remain in the area to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service with a road closure."
It comes a day after a busy pathway was cordoned off after strong winds caused scaffolding to hang off the side of a building.
And today power cables were brought down by bad weather, causing a road closure.
