DISCOUNT retailer Poundland has temporarily closed its store in Andover high street due to safety concerns arising from falling debris from the top of the building.

Andover town centre visitors were alarmed on Wednesday, August 2, as they witnessed pieces of cement falling off from the top of the three-storey building that houses the popular retailer.

Reacting promptly to the situation, Poundland said it independently made the call to close the Andover high street store on Thursday, August 3.

The closure was described as a precautionary measure "out of an abundance of caution following the issues with the brickwork."

READ MORE: Poundland's £1 vibrators and sex toys cause mixed reaction with Andover residents

Photographs of the brickwork's deterioration had quickly spread across social media platforms, raising concerns among shoppers and local residents about potential hazards.

The discount retailer acted swiftly to address the matter and secured the building with a protective fence.

Signs bearing the warnings ‘Danger do not enter’ and ‘temporarily closed due to maintenance work’ were also displayed to keep the public informed.

A spokesperson for Poundland said the company has already initiated investigations into the incident and is working diligently to make the building safe for reopening.

However, an exact timeline for when the store will be operational again could not be confirmed at this stage.

A spokesperson said: “We can’t give you a timescale at this stage in terms of when remedial works will be completed. But in the mean time we apologise for the inconvenience and of course shoppers are more than welcome at our stores in Winchester and Basingstoke.”

SEE ALSO: Saxon Fields: Travellers set up camp in Andover

The precautionary measures taken by Poundland have also resulted in significant disruptions along Andover high street.

Andover Advertiser: Scaffolding outside various Andover high street stores.Scaffolding outside various Andover high street stores. (Image: Newsquest)

Andover Advertiser: Scaffolding outside various Andover high street stores.Scaffolding outside various Andover high street stores. (Image: Newsquest)

The affected area, stretching from 11-15 High Street, has been fully closed to accommodate the ongoing maintenance work.

There already is scaffolding outside businesses like Ark Hair Design and Ladbrokes at 7 High Street and Hays Travel at 9 High Street, further contributing to the street's altered appearance.

A spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council said: "We are aware of the situation in relation to the condition of the Poundland building. The council does not own this property and responsibility for repairs to the building lies with the owner/occupier.

"We have, however, met the store manager who has organised the current heras fencing to the front of the building. As it looks likely that scaffolding will also be required to carry out the repairs we have also advised him to contact Hampshire Highways for the relevant permissions and licenses.

"We understand the inconvenience and frustration that yet more scaffolding might be erected in Andover town centre but public safety has to take priority. We are working hard to encourage all involved to get the building repaired as quickly as possible."