Victoria Way, a major route in Woking town centre, shut on November 25 following Storm Bert and closed down again from December 7 as a result of Storm Darragh. Strong winds of up to 50mph ripped through the town, with exterior panels on the Hilton Hotel development appearing to become dislodged.
As the panels were loose, the road had to shut to create an exclusion zone. It has been confirmed by Woking Borough Council that the rain screens have been secured, but the road will need to remain closed for the foreseeable.
According to a spokesperson for the Victoria Square development, further inspections need to be made to ensure the safety of the building. It is not yet known the true extent of the damage reaped by Storm Darragh, the spokesperson said.
On November 25, loose panels were noticed on the Green Car Park. Surrey Police shut the route and hotel guests at the Hilton were moved to the other side of the building as a precaution.
The road reopened later that day, but was shut once again as a result of Storm Darragh. It is not clear when it will reopen once again.
A spokesperson for Victoria Square Woking Limited, developer and asset manager of Victoria Square, told SurreyLive: “While the exterior rain screen panels loosened by the high winds at the weekend have been secured, inspections are still underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by Storm Darragh. Unfortunately, until that work is completed, Victoria Way will remain closed to ensure the safety of visitors.
"We are working as quickly as possible to re-open the road, but can only do so when we and the authorities are satisfied it is safe. Victoria Square Woking Limited and Sir Robert McAlpine apologise to everyone affected by the closure.”
