Two shop workers and a member of the public were dragged from the rubble of a collapsed company-owned Spar store earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to the store, previously a converted chapel on Plas yn Dref Street in Dolgellau town centre, following reports of a collapsed roof. Better Retailing understands the road near to the site will remain closed while an investigation is underway as to what caused the accident.

A spokesperson for the wholesaler and supplier of the store, AF Blakemore, said: “Our customers’ and colleagues’ health and safety is paramount in all that we do.

“We are working with Gwynedd Council to establish the cause of the internal structure collapse. Structural engineers have been on site alongside council building control as we continue to investigate further. We are providing ongoing support to those who have been affected.”

Gwynedd Council stressed “the responsibility for ensuring that a building is safe and does not pose a risk to the public rests with the owners of the property”.

They told Better Retailing: “Cyngor Gwynedd Building Control Service – like any other local authority – has statutory enforcement powers to take action against the owner of a dangerous structure under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984.

“In addition, the cost of any emergency remedial works carried out by the Council to ensure public safety will also be recovered from the owner of the property.”

Read more Spar news