Derelict Wolverhampton Niphon factory 'a death trap'
A derelict Victorian factory that helped put Wolverhampton on the industrial map has become 'a death trap', city councillors have warned.
Pedestrians have been urged to steer clear of the iconic Niphon Works building in Lower Villiers Street due to safety concerns.
The sprawling site was built in 1885 by entrepreneur Robert Stroud and and was once the city's biggest factory, employing more than 300 people at its peak.
But in recent years it has fallen into disrepair, with West Midlands Fire Service called out on numerous occasions to secure sections of the dilapidated building. Last week, Wolverhampton council was forced to block off the pavement in front of the site after shards of glass fell onto the street in high winds.
Councillors in Blakenhall say they have raised concerns over the state of the building with Wolverhampton council.
Councillor Judith Rowley said the building had become a 'death trap'. "It has fallen into a terrible state of disrepair and has become a public danger," she added.
"It is on a walking route to both St Luke's and Graiseley Primary schools and last week we had a situation where parents and young children were having to dodge pieces of shattered glass."
"There is also a worry that tiles could come off the roof. It is in a perilous state."
Mrs Rowley said the building's owners were planning to board up the property's windows.
It had been at risk of being pulled down until 2010 when plans were submitted to Wolverhampton council to create a home and office complex. But the project has never got off the ground.
Blakenhall Councillor John Rowley said: "I would urge pedestrians not to walk along Lower Villiers Street past the building but to cross over the road."
