AN unsafe building is set to be demolished after experts warned it is at "imminent" danger of completely collapsing.

Last month part of the former registry office in Abbey Road collapsed to the rear leading to highways bosses to close part of High Street.

The owner of the building, Jack Cooksey, has now submitted plans to completely demolish the building after structural engineers warned it is at "imminent risk" of a total collapse.

The plans state: "Following localised collapse the structure has been deemed structurally unsafe... and the stability of the building is a major concern".

The former registry office, 74 Abbey Road, is between two occupied premises; a gym to the right and the Furness Railway to the left.

A structural report, carried out by civil and structural engineers R G Parkins, reveals that "complete failure of a primary timber roof truss to the rear to the building supported between the central spine wall and external wall has occurred".

The floor within the building is now "overloaded" with debris and the report warns that "ongoing movement has been noted since the roof collapse and it is expected that (collapse of the central wall) may follow imminently".

The structural engineers believe that there is "an immediate risk to members of the public".

Demolition will need to be carried out "top down" as it is not deemed safe to demolish the building from the inside.

A survey will also have to be conducted to identify any asbestos in the building.