The Central Plaza Hotel saga is being “investigated” by the highest level of government.

Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke MP has confirmed he is looking into how the government can help to resolve the situation, which has paralysed a major route into the city centre and continues to impact on businesses in Carlisle.

Victoria Viaduct, which connects the south west of Carlisle directly with the city centre, has been closed for most of October after the city council raised the alarm that the former Central Plaza Hotel was at risk of imminent collapse.

The city council now has a plan in place to demolish the dangerous structure, but given its precarious position perched on top of Victoria Viaduct, bringing down the building is likely to be a costly and time-consuming exercise.

Cumbria County Council, the body in charge of the Viaduct road closure, said last week that under advice from the city council the closure is likely to remain in place for at least another two months.

In the meantime, businesses in the city centre are experiencing a loss of trade as a major source of passing footfall is cut off.

The Central Plaza issue was brought to the attention of Mr Clarke last week in a meeting with John Stevenson, Carlisle’s MP.

Mr Stevenson arranged to meet with his Conservative colleague after speaking with some of the businesses and residents most directly affected by the road closures in the area around the former Central Plaza Hotel.

After his meeting with Mr Clarke, Mr Stevenson said: “I recognise the seriousness of this situation for both businesses and residents of Carlisle, which is why I immediately organised the meeting [with those affected by the Central Plaza].

“Following that meeting I have met with Simon Clarke MP, Treasury Minister to discuss the temporary closure of Victoria Viaduct due to the instability of the Crown Plaza.

“There are of course issues with the cost of demolishing a building and I have been assured that he will respond to my concerns as soon as possible, which I am pleased to hear.

“I will continue to make representations on behalf of the businesses on Victoria Viaduct as it is not acceptable that their businesses remain inaccessible.”