Seven tonnes of masonry is at risk of falling from Carlisle's dangerous former Central Plaza Hotel - with the saga now putting jobs at risk.

The government is being urged to intervene after safety fears surrounding the landmark building lead to key city centre roads being sealed off.

This latest development - causing traffic chaos - has led to one nearby firm saying the worsening situation is jeopardising business.

Footpaths and roads outside the dilapidated hotel, on Victoria Viaduct - a listed building - were this week closed to cars and pedestrians because of fears of loose masonry falling.

Carlisle City Council says seven tonnes of masonry that is 18m high off the ground is at risk of falling.

Businesses on the street have had to close their doors with one saying this whole saga could force him to shut down and staff lose their jobs.

Andrew Gale, managing director of Carlisle Bed Centre, says the road closure could not have come at a worse time for his business.

He said: "This weekend is my busiest bank holiday of the year and I won't have any customers. I have advertised our weekend deals but that's going to come to nothing.

"This time of year is generally quiet for retail but I'm in the shop to answer the phone.

"I fail to see how we can survive if this goes on for a while. People will lose their jobs. I can't pay staff for a month if they are not in work.

"When the Viaduct was closed once before my takings dropped by 20 per cent.

"Retail is going through a very difficult time anyway and we are fighting a battle to try and stay here.

"This eyesore could put us out of business.

"I've got bills to pay and if people aren't spending in my shop then I can only carry on trading for so long.

"I have invested heavily in my store's appearance. I've spent money in the store and taken staff on hoping that something will happen but this store is way way down on what it should be.

"If this building was anywhere else, in Manchester, for example then it would have been knocked down with the facade architecture maintained."

The city council says it has had to employ extra security staff to man the barriers around the cordon to stop people entering the area.

Leader Colin Glover told The Cumberland News: "The council appears to be hung out to dry over this but we have no powers to do anything with the building and that is extremely frustrating.

"The government is not giving us any support. I want our MP John Stevenson to ask the Prime Minster at next week's questions what she is going to do to help Carlisle City Council with this major problem."

But Mr Stevenson said he doubted that he would get the chance to talk again at PMQ's as he has spoken the last two out of three weeks.

He said: "The council has got to show that it has a proper business plan and opportunities for planning that will encourage investors to be interested in the building."

The authority has so far spent about £250,000 maintaining the building and Mr Glover said that cost is "about to climb steeply."

He added: "We don't have the resources to deal with it and we are having to use our reserves. The people of Carlisle deserve better.

"We have tried to work with developers but we are simply running out of time. We are getting to the point of no return. We need someone else to step up and help the council.

"Our solicitors are talking to the Crown Estate's solicitors all the time but they won't do anything that could be perceived as an act of ownership.

"We need a developer soon. The council does not have the resources to renovate or demolish.

"Our prime concern is public safety and to get the road open again quickly.

"We need a long term solution.

"The whole thing is extremely frustrating."

Mr Glover said the council could look at business rate relief for the firms on the Viaduct.

He said: "It's a small comfort to them. They just want someone to get on with the problem."

Mr Gale said the only solution he could now see for the building is demolition.

He said: "I think now it has to come down sadly. It's been neglected for far too long and it's costing us as taxpayers.

"We've been told all kinds of things. At one time they said there was going to be a wrap around the hotel to make it look more presentable.

"And then there was the potential development which has never happened.

"I do sympathise with the council to a certain degree as their hands are tied but it should never have come to this. It should have been sorted years ago.

"You can point fingers at a lot of people in this sorry saga."

Laser Quest on Bush Brown announced on Facebook that it had closed because of the "ongoing concerns of safety."

A spokesman said: "We will be closed until further notice.

"We will be in touch with customers that have bookings with us in the coming days to update you on the situation.

"Unfortunately this is out of our control and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

" We will continue to keep you all updated on Facebook as we find out more information."

Some staff at Cartmell Shepherd solicitors, on the Viaduct, were entering the building via the fire escape.

And Tesco customers were using the store's side entrance on Blackfriars Street.

The road is shut to cars and pedestrians from James Street to Blackfriars Street.

The council said this week that the loose masonry posed "an immediate danger" to pedestrians and vehicles.

A city council spokeswoman said: "We are reminding people not to move the barriers. The area is cordoned off for safety reasons and should not be entered."