Early this morning fire crews were called to the Old Cathedral Building, which houses many local businesses and freelance work spaces.

Sam said: “My thoughts are with all those impacted by this morning’s fire. It is a devastating blow for everyone affected. In what is already an extremely worrying time for businesses and the self-employed, this will only have added to growing concerns over the weeks and months ahead.

“As a Council we must do what we can to take a lead in coordinating the response, so we can collectively aid and support those in need, which is why I’ve been in touch with Council officers this morning, urging a meeting of the Revitalisation Task Force along with relevant Executive Ministers to ensure we are doing absolutely everything possible in a time of crisis for many. I will also be attending a meeting of party group leaders this afternoon to discuss the response.

“The priority must be on listening to those businesses affected and responding to their immediate needs. We must also develop an action plan on how to support the recovery in that part of the Cathedral Quarter which already faces many challenges.”