All services within a historic mansion which was severely damaged in a fire on Tuesday remain closed pending demolitions and safety inspections.

A demolition expert was expected yesterday at Grade II-listed Ewell Court House, in Ewell Court Avenue to advise on how to bring down a chimney and gable end which are in danger of collapse.

An Epsom Council spokesman confirmed they will be demolished this week to make the rest of the building safe.

The library has suffered extensive water damage but Ewell Court councillor Eber Kington said that the Surrey Library Service has said it hopes to provide alternative services elsewhere for library users.

Bambini children’s nursery and Central Surrey Health (CSH) offices remain closed and have not been told when they will be able to reopen. 

The nursery's director said that there was "no damage" to the part of the house where the nursery, which looks after 30 children, is located.

He said: "The block at the moment is Epsom and Ewell Borough Council giving the green light.   Once these have been resolved we should be OK. We are advising our parents to this effect."

Your Local Guardian:

An employee of CSH said its offices are still shut as they are next to the dangerous chimney and gable end of Ewell Court House.

The council spokesman said that all of the activities and events due to take place this month at the house have been relocated to Bourne Hall, as well as two out of the three weddings planned to occur at Ewell Court House.

He said those with bookings at the house for the first quarter of 2014 will be contacted to discuss arrangements next week.

The spokesman said that an agreement was about to be signed to rent out the top room of the house - a move which has been opposed by the Ewell Court House Organisation.


TODAY'S HEADLINES IN EPSOM AND EWELL