Businesses have been forced out of their high-rise building after a council found "intolerable" fire safety risks.

New England House has been forcibly closed by Brighton and Hove City Council, forcing nearly 100 businesses to shut up shop for the weekend.

The closure comes after the council said it had found serious risks in the building, forcing it to close until fire wardens could be put in place.

Businesses have been told the New England Street building will hopefully be open by Tuesday.

Donna Chisholm, corporate director for city services at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: 

“We are truly sorry for the inconvenience and potential loss of income this temporary closure causes. The council is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone and are working diligently to reopen the building on Tuesday.

“We recognise the financial impact this may have and will of course offer compensation for specific losses if tenants can provide evidence.

“If you need access to New England House for essential reasons over the weekend or on Monday 11 November, there will be security on site to help arrange access via the main entrance.

“I completely appreciate that the timing of this and the short notice has had a disruptive impact on the many different businesses at New England House. We did not take this decision lightly and had to take immediate action due to the intolerable risks identified.

“We apologise for any upset this might cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the building is safe for everyone and can be reopened next week.”

New England House was first opened in 1963 and houses nearly 100 businesses in over 11,000 square foot of commercial space.

A council spokesman added a meeting would be held with the building's tenants to discuss the issues with tenants and the work needed on the building.