A PARTIALLY collapsed building could cost tens of thousands of pounds to repair.

Initial estimates of around £50,000 have been set for repairs on Northwest Plumbing and Electrical Ltd, in Burnley, after the top floor of the building collapsed at around 4pm on Sunday.

Contractors were working on an extension to the building at the time and it is believed the collapse came after a beam-column, supporting the extension, snapped.

Managing director Ajmal Khan, who has run the branch in Rosegrove for 10 years, said he was 'shocked' when he saw the damage first hand late on Sunday.

Mr Khan, from Nelson, said the damage to the building was worse than he had expected when he visited the site.

The 38-year-old said: "I was just shocked about what happened. It was worse than I had expected when I heard about it on the phone.

"Work on the extension started just 10 days ago and based on initial estimates it is expected to cost around £50,000 to repair."

The business is expected to remain closed for the rest of the week, the managing director said.

He added: "A lot of customers have been contacting me to ask when it will reopen.

"The debris won't be clear for at least another day. Contractors will then start work on the building and we hope to reopen the shop in a few days time."

Burnley council leader Mark Townsend said the local authority will now be involved in ensuring the building is made safe in the long term.

He said: "It was an extremely serious incident and we are thankful no one was injured.

"Debris fell across the road and the consequences could have been more serious."

The junctions for Liverpool Road, Rossendale Road and Accrington Road remain closed yesterday and pedestrians were still unable to access Rose Grove train station.