A SEARCH is underway for a python after a building was evacuated when it was declared at risk of collapsing.

Residents in flats in the Marklands building at the corner of Elliott Street and Stanley Street were asked to leave last night, Thursday, due to the state of the site.

Tyldesley Cllr Stephen Hellier has said officers from the local authority are searching for a Royal Python, which can grow up to around six foot in size, after it is believed to have gone missing on Sunday.

A road closure on Elliott Street is expected to be in force until at least the end of next week.

Cllr Hellier said: "There will be structural work and scaffolding put in place to make the building safe and ensure it is saved from destruction.

"We are optimistic that Elliott Street will be re-opened at the end of next week."

Diversions are currently in place but the guided busway is unable to travel through the centre of Tyldesley while work is being carried out.

The owner of the building has paid for residents of the flats to stay at a hotel while the work is being done.

Eight of the 14 flats have people living in them.