New fears over falling masonry

The fatal accident occured at Ryan's Bar in Edinburgh

A chunk of masonry has dropped from an Edinburgh building yards from the spot where an Australian waitress died after being hit by falling stonework.

In the latest incident, the masonry broke loose from a building in Shandwick Place.

However, the 12in lump was prevented from toppling onto the pavement by a ledge.

Christine Foster was struck by falling masonry

An inspection is being carried out, although a council spokeswoman said the incident posed no danger to the public.

The incident took place close to Ryan's Bar, where 26-year-old Christine Foster was fatally injured by a piece of falling masonry while serving drinks.

The Australian, who was on a working holiday, had been employed as a waitress at the pavement cafe in June 2000.

A fatal accident inquiry was held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year.

In his findings, Sheriff Charles Stoddart called on Edinburgh City Council to carry out urgent checks on potentially dangerous buildings.

Safety fears

The authority is currently undertaking a survey of 16,000 structures in the city centre.

It has also set up a phone line for members of the public to report safety fears.

However, Ms Foster's father Mike claimed that this exercise was "largely cosmetic".

"No-one's really taking responsibility," he said.

Contractors will be taking a closer look and if there is anything loose it'll be removed

Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman

"My daughter died because no-one checked on the shoddy renovation of the building above Ryan's Bar.

"As for this survey there doesn't appear to be any obligation to respond to it. The council should take responsibility and inspect these buildings themselves."

He also warned that it was "only a matter of time" before someone else was killed.

However, the council stressed that the latest incident had not caused any danger to the public.

"Contractors will be taking a closer look and if there is anything loose it'll be removed," said a spokeswoman.