FRIENDS of a workman injured in a building site accident in Bury town centre fear he may never walk again.

Gary Rowe (32), suffered spinal injuries after he and a workmate were struck by a falling three quarter ton concrete block, which apparently dropped from the first floor to the ground floor where the men were working.

He is described as "poorly" in Southport and Formby District General Hospital's specialist spinal injuries unit.

Rochdale man Mr Rowe was originally rushed to Bury General Hospital following Monday's (February 3) accident but later transferred to Southport under police escort.

It is understood he has no feeling in his legs. His friends and family are said to be worried his mobility could be permanently impaired.

Meanwhile, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive are continuing their inquiries into the accident which happened at the building site in Minden Parade, Bury.

An Executive spokesman said: "We believe the concrete block was being manually moved into position on the first floor when it fell. I don't believe it had a sling on it."

Fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene and Mr Rowe was delicately lifted on to a special supporting spiral board stretcher.

Colleague Mr Tony Pearce (25), of Fifth Avenue, Bury, was also taken to hospital after apparently sustaining minor leg injuries. He was later released.

The accident happened at the Wates Construction site where work is under way to build a store.

Project manager, Mr Tom Hobson, said the circumstances of the accident were being investigated by the company's own safety adviser as well as the health and safety executive.

"As this is classified as a major accident, the executive was notified," said Mr Hobson.

"Because of the ongoing investigation, we won't know the results for several weeks when we will be advised."

Building work, stressed Mr Hobson, was allowed to resume following the accident.

"The Health and Safety Executive officer has not served a prohibition or enforcement order of any kind," he added.

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