PEDESTRIANS had a lucky escape when a large piece of wood fell from the top of an historic building – prompting fears it is no longer structurally sound.

The oak piece, which measured 2ft 12in inches in diameter and weighed around 28lb, tumbled from the roof of The Bird In Hand, in Market Place, Leek, on Thursday afternoon.

Licensee Paul Oxford, who has run the pub with his 41-year-old wife Catherine since 2004, said: "I heard a big crash at 1.50pm and people rushed in to say something had fallen from the premises. It was incredibly lucky no one was hurt."

Mr Oxford, who has an 18- month-old daughter and a new baby who was born premature on February 22, believes the problem was caused by damp.

He is furious that Marston's Brewery, which owns the timber-framed building, had not done enough to ensure it was safe.

The 40-year-old said: "I feel disgusted that it must take a potentially life-threatening incident to encourage any action that is obligated by the owners of the building.

"I feel the safety of my family is at risk, especially my new-born daughter coming to live in a property suffering from severe damp problems and possible structural defects.

"This should be a wake-up call for the rejuvenation of a wonderful building to coincide with the current projects in Market Place."

Andrew Turner, building control manager at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, inspected the property shortly after the incident.

A council spokesman said: "A large piece of wood fell from the building which could have caused serious injuries.

"It is believed a rain water pipe back into the building is leaking causing damage to wooden fixtures. The building is not in imminent danger."

The council confirmed a meeting had been set up with the conservation manager today to see if emergency measures were needed.

The spokesman said: "There may be conservation funding available for any project."

Neil Ives, Marston's business manager, confirmed the company had been in touch with the licensees. He added: "We have contacted a surveyor who is to visit the property. We take this matter very seriously and will make sure the building is safe."

Mr Oxford believes fencing should be installed to protect customers and pedestrians at the earliest opportunity.

He added: "Perhaps the biggest threat to the great British pub in not the Government nor the rising cost of utilities, but that of the brewery and pub chain not maintaining a valuable asset."