A sign fell from a crumbling shopfront during Storm Gerrit, prompting fears that bricks and tiles could crash onto a passerby next.

Two neighbouring buildings in Grange Road, Ramsgate are in disrepair, with sagging bricks and plants growing in the grout.

The worst of the two is the former Threshers wine store, now an abandoned wax melt shop.

During yesterday’s ferocious gale, a metal shop sign fell from the front of the building onto the pavement, sparking fears someone could be hurt in the future.

Simon James, who runs the Hotel de Ville opposite, said: “It’s a health and safety issue and someone could get hurt.

“They are an eyesore too especially the former Threshers - it’s sad to see them in that state.”

The other store was once a tool hire business and has been closed for at least three years.

Little Wax Workshop has been unused for about a year and a half.

The 49-year-old added: “They are going to get worse over the next few days.

“Three months ago, during some bad weather, tiles flew off the roof and a car got badly damaged.

“We had to cordon the path off as there was another tile ready to fall off and it was school drop-off time.

“Both buildings are in a shocking state of repair.”

Pictures show that the bricks on both properties - thought to be owned by the same landlord - are uneven and “sagging”, according to Mr James.

Paintwork is peeling off and huge weeds are growing from cracks in the brick at the former wax shop.

Mr James added: “It’s such a shame to see buildings round here get into this state.

“All the new houses they’re building and there’s loads like this around that could be homing people.”

Thanet District Council’s website says the authority will take enforcement action on buildings suffering from “lack of maintenance or general neglect”.

The website goes on: “Powers available through the Building Act 1984 allow the service to undertake immediate steps to remove any immediate danger or take action through the magistrates court where the danger is less immediate.

“We will always attempt to make contact with the building owner to allow them to carry out the necessary work but in emergencies, this may not always be possible where the owner is absent.

“All costs incurred will be recovered from the building owner and will be registered as a charge against the property.”

The council has been contacted for comment.