The Manor House will reopen on Wednesday (28 June) after an area of ceiling fell down in the town council offices earlier this month.

The Grade II listed property on Old Town Street in Dawlish was temporarily shut following the collapse on 16 June.

The cause was likely "200-year-old nails failing within the lath and plaster used to construct the ceiling", the local authority said.

It was reportedly not connected to recent dry rot remedial works in the room above.

A Dawlish Town Council spokesperson said: "Following the temporary closure of the Manor House whilst structural concerns were addressed, Dawlish Town Council is pleased to announce the reopening of the building from Wednesday 28 June.

"An area of ceiling in the town council offices collapsed on 16 June and following review by the council's surveyor, and building control officers, it has been determined that cause was likely degradation of the 200-year-old nails failing within the lath and plaster used to construct the ceiling, and it was not connected to the recent dry rot remedial works in the room above.

"Safety for staff and members of the public was paramount and an inspection of all ceilings within the Manor House was undertaken and found to be in a generally satisfactory order.

"Whilst there were superficial cracks expected to be found in a building of this nature, the majority of instances were such that the ceiling was found to be secure with no significant flexing. Remedial works to two areas identified will be addressed in the short term and does not give any increased risk.

"It has been recommended that whilst the dry rot works come to an end in room 4A and B, those rooms directly beneath (the Mayor's Parlour, and town council offices) are not used until the conclusion of these works as a precautionary measure.

"The works are currently estimated to take between four and six weeks in duration."

Town Council staff will work from home in this period and can be contacted by telephoning 01626 863388, or emailing [email protected].

Any hirers affected by the need to close the Mayor's Parlour will be contacted directly by the town council. All other rooms can be booked by contacting the council using the details above.