DEBRIS is flying in a busy street as the canopy of the former EMD building is repaired.

Repair work has started on the Hoe Street dilapidated building's canopy, parts of which have collapsed into the street on two occasions in recent weeks.

Guardian reporter Daniel Binns said the building has not been cordoned off while the works are carried out.

He said: "They've put up a 'road closed' sign on the pavement, but they have failed to provide any alternative to pedestrains.

"Most people are just walking under it dodging the flying bits of debris, but the repairmen are making no effort to discourage people doing that.

"The only other way is to walk into the road which is of course very dangerous as it's on a bend."

Pastor Paul Hill, of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) which owns the building, said all the requirements set by the local authority to make the work safe were adhered to.

He said: "We had a tower, as requested by the local authority. There were flashing lights and two work men advising people not to pass.

"There were signs telling people to use the opposite pathway. What more do you want? Someone with a loudspeaker telling people there are works going on?"

Leaders of the church have been accused of fraudulently using charity donations in Brazil, which they deny.

The UCKG insist the claims by Sao Paulo’s public prosecutor will not affect plans for the former EMD as the church’s UK operation is administered separately.