WORK on demolishing Crewe's Royal Arcade site will carry on through the second lockdown.

Preparatory work has already been taking place in recent weeks ahead of starting the demolition of the vacant town centre shopping units.

Town centre activity has been thrown into doubt with the month-long lockdown starting on Thursday. But Cheshire East Council has confirmed the work will go ahead adhering to Covid-19 protocols, with the aim of clearing the whole site by the spring.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "We realise the recent announcement regarding Covid-19 and lockdown has brought further uncertainty.

"However, the redevelopment of the Royal Arcade is an important part of long-term plans for Crewe and work will continue to move forward on this scheme in accordance with Covid-19 safety measures, which are already in place on site."

Electrical cabling has been ripped out and utility services shut off on the two former shopping rows in Queensway and Victoria Street.

Plant and machinery has arrived ready for the demolition, which will include the toppling of 'Big Bill', Crewe's landmark clock tower.

Scaffolding is also being installed around the site's clock tower to enable it to be safely demolished.

Meanwhile, access to the bus station via the walkway through the Royal Arcade site will be blocked off from Thursday (Nov 5) and people are being asked to enter the station via Tower Way and Delamere Street.

Cllr Mannion added: "Pre-demolition works have been taking place over the past few weeks to prepare for the site's physical demolition, but it is a hugely significant moment to see machinery on site.

"Our vision and that of our partners has always been to give the people and businesses of Crewe a town to be proud of and it is great news that we are now that one step closer to realising its great potential."

Last month the council announced it has signed a development agreement with development partner Peveril Securities for the Royal Arcade scheme, which will include a new bus station with an enclosed passenger waiting area.

The ambitious plans include a 400-space multi-storey car park and leisure, restaurant and retail units anchored by a new state-of-the-art cinema

A specialist team is to dismantling the clock and the faces, bells and mechanism are to be saved and transferred to the Crewe Heritage Trust, where it will be stored for potential reuse in the future.

Hoardings have been put up around the site and will stay in place during the demolition work. They will feature designs, imagery and information.