76 Fires & 20 Near Misses in
Heritage Buildings Recorded on the 2020 Database in May and June.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
Heritage Buildings Recorded on the 2020 Database in May and June.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
Fires Index < Click here
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“Shame on those who remain unmoved, whose pace fails to quicken, on entering one of these old habitations, a manor-house falling to wrack and ruin or a desecrated church!”
Petrus Borel, (1809 – 1859), French writer of the Romantic Period
Petrus Borel, (1809 – 1859), French writer of the Romantic Period
NEW: 2020 Fires Index
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Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
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Phone: 07840 351458 Email: hello@fireprotect.me.uk
June - 45 Fires & 11 Near Misses
30 June 2020 (15:00*) - Fire crews at Mythos Meze restaurant in Chepstow
Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a restaurant in Welsh Street, Chepstow. Eyewitnesses report seeing fire crews entering the Mythos Meze Bar and Restaurant and on the property's roof, from which a plume of smoke is rising. A spokesman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said crews from Chepstow and Caldicot are "at the scene and working to extinguish the fire", which is ongoing.
Police officers have closed a section of Welsh Street, between the arch at the top of High Street and the junction for Wilko (Welsh Street car park entrance). A local resident said there was a strong smell of smoke in the air. SWFRS firefighters have scaled ladders at the side of the building and are on the roof with a hose. The latest traffic reports suggest the incident is adding to the usual heavy afternoon traffic in the town.
The fire has now been extinguished and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) crews have left the scene. SWFRS said the fire was believed to have spread to the roof of the building from a chimney. The last firefighters left the scene at 5.35pm.
The restaurant is listed as “A Building making a particular or special positive contribution” to Chepstow Conservation Area. It is thought to date from the mid 19th century, although much altered.
News Source: South Wales Argus
Police officers have closed a section of Welsh Street, between the arch at the top of High Street and the junction for Wilko (Welsh Street car park entrance). A local resident said there was a strong smell of smoke in the air. SWFRS firefighters have scaled ladders at the side of the building and are on the roof with a hose. The latest traffic reports suggest the incident is adding to the usual heavy afternoon traffic in the town.
The fire has now been extinguished and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) crews have left the scene. SWFRS said the fire was believed to have spread to the roof of the building from a chimney. The last firefighters left the scene at 5.35pm.
The restaurant is listed as “A Building making a particular or special positive contribution” to Chepstow Conservation Area. It is thought to date from the mid 19th century, although much altered.
News Source: South Wales Argus
30 June 2020 (05:12) - Crews tackle blaze as fire rips through Doncaster social club
Five South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crews were called out to the Ali Baba Social Club in Nether Hall Road at around 5am this morning after reports that the premises were on fire. Five fire crews attended the blaze – two from Doncaster station, with firefighters from Edlington, Adwick and Rossington also in attendance. The fire was on the ground floor of the premises which have been a popular social club for a number of years.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We received a call today at 5.12am for reports of a fire at a property on Nether Hall Road in Doncaster.” They also said that no casualties had been reported at the scene and that crews had left the scene at about 9.30am. The road was closed to traffic and bus services earlier today but the road is now open. The fire is currently under investigation to determine the cause.
The building is part of Russell Terrace, which has a datestone indicating that it was built in 1853.
News Source: Doncaster Free Press
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We received a call today at 5.12am for reports of a fire at a property on Nether Hall Road in Doncaster.” They also said that no casualties had been reported at the scene and that crews had left the scene at about 9.30am. The road was closed to traffic and bus services earlier today but the road is now open. The fire is currently under investigation to determine the cause.
The building is part of Russell Terrace, which has a datestone indicating that it was built in 1853.
News Source: Doncaster Free Press
29 June 2020 (17:50) - Firefighters damp down at scene of Thornton Road fire
Fire crews are this morning still at the scene of a fire which destroyed an industrial premises off Thornton Road, Bradford. The fire destroyed buildings on Water Lane behind Norcroft Street, yesterday afternoon. They were believed to have housed car painting and tyre businesses. Firefighters have maintained a presence at the scene overnight and are continuing damping down operations. The cause is not yet known and fire investigators were returning to the site in daylight today. An aerial unit and officers are in attendance.
Eight fire engines were scrambled to the scene at around 5.50pm, after a building with an asbestos sheeting roof caught fire in what is a largely industrial area. They arrived to find a 25×25 metre building 100 per cent involved in fire. The blaze sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and could be seen for many miles. Residents were advised to keep their windows shut. The building was still ablaze at 8.30pm.
One resident said the smell of smoke was strong in Barkerend, while another said it could be seen from Baildon. Julian Steel, of Andante Freight, next to the site of the fire, said they were largely unaffected by the incident and were operating normally today with the addition of two fire engines in their yard. He said: "We weren't affected at all. We had the wind on our side, pushing the flames towards the city centre. We had no damage." He said the buildings across Water Lane from his depot housed a car painting garage and a tyre business but he had few dealings with the firms.
The building dates back to the early to mid 19th century. It is difficult to get away from old industrial buildings in Bradford, with many of them, including this one, still in industrial use. The building is marked on the 1852 OS map as Phoenix Mill (Worsted). By 1905, it was marked as The Forge, and by 1934 it was known as Westway Buildings. Even before the fire, much or the building was derelict, with damage possibly caused by earlier fires.
News Source: Telegraph and Argus
Eight fire engines were scrambled to the scene at around 5.50pm, after a building with an asbestos sheeting roof caught fire in what is a largely industrial area. They arrived to find a 25×25 metre building 100 per cent involved in fire. The blaze sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and could be seen for many miles. Residents were advised to keep their windows shut. The building was still ablaze at 8.30pm.
One resident said the smell of smoke was strong in Barkerend, while another said it could be seen from Baildon. Julian Steel, of Andante Freight, next to the site of the fire, said they were largely unaffected by the incident and were operating normally today with the addition of two fire engines in their yard. He said: "We weren't affected at all. We had the wind on our side, pushing the flames towards the city centre. We had no damage." He said the buildings across Water Lane from his depot housed a car painting garage and a tyre business but he had few dealings with the firms.
The building dates back to the early to mid 19th century. It is difficult to get away from old industrial buildings in Bradford, with many of them, including this one, still in industrial use. The building is marked on the 1852 OS map as Phoenix Mill (Worsted). By 1905, it was marked as The Forge, and by 1934 it was known as Westway Buildings. Even before the fire, much or the building was derelict, with damage possibly caused by earlier fires.
News Source: Telegraph and Argus
29 June 2020 (03:20) - Pub fire pinned on ‘spontaneously combusting’ cleaning rag as drivers warned over parking
An oily rag is being blamed for a pub fire in a tight terraced street, as drivers were ticked off for blocking emergency access. Numerous blue lights rushed to the scene in Trafalgar Road West in Gorleston at 3.20am on Monday (June 29) to reports of a fire at The Lord Nelson pub. But badly parked vehicles, some on corners and on double yellow lines, meant vital minutes were wasted reaching the building - home to a family of five.
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service’s eastern group manager Clive Wells said: “We could not get into Trafalgar Road West from either end. Bad parking adds to our response times and we would urge people to consider whether emergency vehicles could pass before leaving their car and not to park on double yellow lines. It is the difference between someone surviving, and crews not getting there in time.”
Meanwhile landlady Sandra Farman, who lives nearby, was shocked to see smoke billowing from the bar. The three people inside at the time - her business partner Neil Armstrong, his partner and their young daughter - had all got out safely after the fire alarm sounded. They were checked over by paramedics at the scene. She said fire officers concluded the fire was caused by an oily rag left on a seat that had “spontaneously combusted” and begun to smoulder.
“There were no flames,” she said. “Just a lot of smoke. The alarms went off and the fire retardant in the bench did its job. Everything worked how it should have worked. It was all part of my redecorating regime. I had been cleaning the floor with linseed oil and left the cloth on the bench. I feel very lucky. The daft thing is that if I had left my dust sheets there the fire could have got the carpet and that would have been it.” She said she was keen to warn others of the fire hazard. A neighbour said parking was a big problem in the tight terraced street with wing mirrors regularly clipped if they weren’t tucked in. “It has always been a tight squeeze and a car on double yellows was hit by a dust cart. We just accept it. We park where we can.”
The pub, which dates back to at least 1888, still plans to open on July 4 with a strict 2m distancing policy.
News Source: Great Yarmouth Mercury
Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service’s eastern group manager Clive Wells said: “We could not get into Trafalgar Road West from either end. Bad parking adds to our response times and we would urge people to consider whether emergency vehicles could pass before leaving their car and not to park on double yellow lines. It is the difference between someone surviving, and crews not getting there in time.”
Meanwhile landlady Sandra Farman, who lives nearby, was shocked to see smoke billowing from the bar. The three people inside at the time - her business partner Neil Armstrong, his partner and their young daughter - had all got out safely after the fire alarm sounded. They were checked over by paramedics at the scene. She said fire officers concluded the fire was caused by an oily rag left on a seat that had “spontaneously combusted” and begun to smoulder.
“There were no flames,” she said. “Just a lot of smoke. The alarms went off and the fire retardant in the bench did its job. Everything worked how it should have worked. It was all part of my redecorating regime. I had been cleaning the floor with linseed oil and left the cloth on the bench. I feel very lucky. The daft thing is that if I had left my dust sheets there the fire could have got the carpet and that would have been it.” She said she was keen to warn others of the fire hazard. A neighbour said parking was a big problem in the tight terraced street with wing mirrors regularly clipped if they weren’t tucked in. “It has always been a tight squeeze and a car on double yellows was hit by a dust cart. We just accept it. We park where we can.”
The pub, which dates back to at least 1888, still plans to open on July 4 with a strict 2m distancing policy.
News Source: Great Yarmouth Mercury
Near Miss
27 June 2020 (22:48) - Goodwick: Large fire last night near Fishguard Bay Hotel
27 June 2020 (22:48) - Goodwick: Large fire last night near Fishguard Bay Hotel
A large fire took hold of a storage building near the Fishguard Bay Hotel in Goodwick last night. The blaze, which was called in at 10.48pm was described as a large property, well alight at Quay Road.
Four fire appliances were at the scene. Firefighters from Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard and Goodwick were called to the fire. The crews were involved in damping down the fire, leaving at 11.57pm.The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
This large late 19th to early 20th century hotel is Grade II listed.
News Source: The Pembrokeshire Herald
Four fire appliances were at the scene. Firefighters from Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard and Goodwick were called to the fire. The crews were involved in damping down the fire, leaving at 11.57pm.The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
This large late 19th to early 20th century hotel is Grade II listed.
News Source: The Pembrokeshire Herald
Entry Name: Fishguard Bay Hotel
Listing Date: 24 November 1978 Last Amended: 7 January 2002 Grade: II Source: Cadw Source ID: 12345 Building Class: Commercial Location: Situated at the end of Quay Road, on the cliff above the harbour. County: Pembrokeshire Town: Goodwick Community: Fishguard and Goodwick (Abergwaun ac Wdig) Community: Fishguard and Goodwick Locality: Goodwick Traditional County: Pembrokeshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.0086 / 52°0'31"N Longitude: -4.9901 / 4°59'24"W OS Eastings: 194881 OS Northings: 238687 OS Grid: SM948386 Mapcode National: GBR CK.HLWM Mapcode Global: VH1QF.GS92 Plus Code: 9C4Q2255+CX |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The hotel is said to have been built around a core 18th century house called Windcliff, built for 2 brothers called Rogers, reputedly smugglers, but who established an oil-mill at Goodwick. It is marked on the 1840 Llanwnda tithe map, as also the house to the SW demolished for the c1905 additional front range of the hotel.
The NE range called Wyncliffe and also Goodwick House was enlarged in about 1887-8 by the addition of wings to become a 16-bedroom, 4-sitting-room house, for a Mr Morison, and sold to the Fishguard & Rosslare Railways & Harbour Co in 1896 to become the Hotel Wyncliffe. Subsequently bought by the Great Western Railway, and renamed Fishguard Bay Hotel, it was extended from c1905 with a very large front range, completed in 1910, probably to the design of Jenkinson & White of London, whose plans for the Hotel and a pair of villas were approved in 1900. The hotel in 1910 had 40 bedrooms, 2 apartment suites, dining-hall, smoking-room, 2 lounges and a billiard room. Full board was from 3 guineas (£3.15). The gardens were laid out by Treseder of Truro. During the Second World War, the Hotel was Station IXc of Special Operations Executive where submersibles were tested in Fishguard Bay.
It remained a railway hotel until 1951, and was only intermittently used thereafter until reopened in 1967, refurbished in 1974 with substantial extensions. Old photographs pre-1910 show the earlier NE range much as now apart from the 1974 ground floor additions. The original had a door in the first canted bay and an arched stucco corniced porch to the centre section. Also removed, probably in 1974, was a big porch to the main entry, possibly of iron.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The hotel is said to have been built around a core 18th century house called Windcliff, built for 2 brothers called Rogers, reputedly smugglers, but who established an oil-mill at Goodwick. It is marked on the 1840 Llanwnda tithe map, as also the house to the SW demolished for the c1905 additional front range of the hotel.
The NE range called Wyncliffe and also Goodwick House was enlarged in about 1887-8 by the addition of wings to become a 16-bedroom, 4-sitting-room house, for a Mr Morison, and sold to the Fishguard & Rosslare Railways & Harbour Co in 1896 to become the Hotel Wyncliffe. Subsequently bought by the Great Western Railway, and renamed Fishguard Bay Hotel, it was extended from c1905 with a very large front range, completed in 1910, probably to the design of Jenkinson & White of London, whose plans for the Hotel and a pair of villas were approved in 1900. The hotel in 1910 had 40 bedrooms, 2 apartment suites, dining-hall, smoking-room, 2 lounges and a billiard room. Full board was from 3 guineas (£3.15). The gardens were laid out by Treseder of Truro. During the Second World War, the Hotel was Station IXc of Special Operations Executive where submersibles were tested in Fishguard Bay.
It remained a railway hotel until 1951, and was only intermittently used thereafter until reopened in 1967, refurbished in 1974 with substantial extensions. Old photographs pre-1910 show the earlier NE range much as now apart from the 1974 ground floor additions. The original had a door in the first canted bay and an arched stucco corniced porch to the centre section. Also removed, probably in 1974, was a big porch to the main entry, possibly of iron.
26 June 2020 (23:00*) - Liver Building on fire after fireworks seen crashing into historic landmark
The Liver Building was set on fire after stray fireworks were seen crashing into the historic landmark. A small blaze broke out on one of the balconies at the listed building as huge crowds remained in the area.
Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Mayor Joe Anderson have urged people to leave the city centre and head home after thousands of people flocked to the Pier Head to celebrate LFC winning the Premier League. A significant amount of people have already been dispersed by police and left of their own accord but many have remained in the area.
Shortly before 11pm, a small fire broke out on one of the balconies before fire crews arrived at the scene and quickly got the blaze under control. It is not yet clear what caused the fire but moments before, fireworks were seen hitting the front of the building. A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: "We were alerted to a small fire on a patch of astroturf. Firefighters have dealt with the incident and the fire is now out."
Crowds are still being asked to leave the area as Mayor Joe Anderson considers a city "curfew" to stop people gathering in town. He said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation in the city centre after thousands of fans gathered together again to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League win. I was made aware that areas close to the Pier Head are also now rammed, such as Castle Street and Dale Street. People are drinking and causing problems and we just want to make sure that everyone stays safe. Large gatherings like these are still not something the city needs as coronavirus continues to be a real risk for us here. But we also don't want any incidents, fuelled by alcohol that could lead to anyone being hurt or involved with police."
Speaking about the idea of a curfew, Mayor Anderson said: "I have spoken to the chief constable of Merseyside Police and he is also concerned about the situation. We are asking people to go home and he has assured me that silver command are ready to respond to the situation and are currently monitoring it. Tomorrow we will look again at what we can do to make sure people are kept safe and this doesn't keep happening. Maybe a curfew could be put in place as police powers have already been upped in the city to deal with anti-social behaviour." Liverpool Football Club also tweeted asking fans to stay away from the city centre and to leave the crowds that have gathered there. They said: "Celebrate safely Reds and respect our city's public health."
UPDATE: Officers have arrested a 19-year-old man from Scarisbrick, Lancashire on suspicion of arson after a fire, started by a firework, on the balcony of the Liver Building caused at least £10,000 worth of damage. Video footage emerged on social media which appears to show a man of large build, wearing a black Balmain t-shirt, aiming a firework over the heads of fellow fans towards the building. The male has been taken to a police station on Merseyside where he will be questioned by detectives.
Jeff McCarthy tweeted: "Disgusted beyond belief with what I’ve woken up to re Pier Head and the behaviour of some so-called LFC ‘fans’. I hope each is arrested and charged, especially that clown firing the fireworks and other idiots cheering him. The Liver Building is an iconic symbol. You have disgraced the city and its people - the vast majority of whom are amazing. And now the rest of us Scousers live with years of being tarnished with your behaviour and proving otherwise."
The iconic Grade I listed Royal Liver Building is part of Liverpool's UNESCO-designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Built between 1908 and 1910, and opened in 1911, the building is the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance group, which had been set up in the city in 1850 to provide locals with assistance related to losing a wage-earning relative. Today the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool and is home to two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that, were these two birds to fly away, then the city would cease to exist.
News Source: Echo
Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Mayor Joe Anderson have urged people to leave the city centre and head home after thousands of people flocked to the Pier Head to celebrate LFC winning the Premier League. A significant amount of people have already been dispersed by police and left of their own accord but many have remained in the area.
Shortly before 11pm, a small fire broke out on one of the balconies before fire crews arrived at the scene and quickly got the blaze under control. It is not yet clear what caused the fire but moments before, fireworks were seen hitting the front of the building. A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: "We were alerted to a small fire on a patch of astroturf. Firefighters have dealt with the incident and the fire is now out."
Crowds are still being asked to leave the area as Mayor Joe Anderson considers a city "curfew" to stop people gathering in town. He said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned about the situation in the city centre after thousands of fans gathered together again to celebrate Liverpool's Premier League win. I was made aware that areas close to the Pier Head are also now rammed, such as Castle Street and Dale Street. People are drinking and causing problems and we just want to make sure that everyone stays safe. Large gatherings like these are still not something the city needs as coronavirus continues to be a real risk for us here. But we also don't want any incidents, fuelled by alcohol that could lead to anyone being hurt or involved with police."
Speaking about the idea of a curfew, Mayor Anderson said: "I have spoken to the chief constable of Merseyside Police and he is also concerned about the situation. We are asking people to go home and he has assured me that silver command are ready to respond to the situation and are currently monitoring it. Tomorrow we will look again at what we can do to make sure people are kept safe and this doesn't keep happening. Maybe a curfew could be put in place as police powers have already been upped in the city to deal with anti-social behaviour." Liverpool Football Club also tweeted asking fans to stay away from the city centre and to leave the crowds that have gathered there. They said: "Celebrate safely Reds and respect our city's public health."
UPDATE: Officers have arrested a 19-year-old man from Scarisbrick, Lancashire on suspicion of arson after a fire, started by a firework, on the balcony of the Liver Building caused at least £10,000 worth of damage. Video footage emerged on social media which appears to show a man of large build, wearing a black Balmain t-shirt, aiming a firework over the heads of fellow fans towards the building. The male has been taken to a police station on Merseyside where he will be questioned by detectives.
Jeff McCarthy tweeted: "Disgusted beyond belief with what I’ve woken up to re Pier Head and the behaviour of some so-called LFC ‘fans’. I hope each is arrested and charged, especially that clown firing the fireworks and other idiots cheering him. The Liver Building is an iconic symbol. You have disgraced the city and its people - the vast majority of whom are amazing. And now the rest of us Scousers live with years of being tarnished with your behaviour and proving otherwise."
The iconic Grade I listed Royal Liver Building is part of Liverpool's UNESCO-designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Built between 1908 and 1910, and opened in 1911, the building is the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance group, which had been set up in the city in 1850 to provide locals with assistance related to losing a wage-earning relative. Today the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool and is home to two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that, were these two birds to fly away, then the city would cease to exist.
News Source: Echo
Listing Details
Entry Name: Royal Liver Building, Iron Railings and Stone Piers Surrounding Royal Liver Building
Listing Date: 12 July 1966 Last Amended: 19 June 1985 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1356370 English Heritage Legacy ID: 214151 Location: Liverpool, L3 County: Liverpool Electoral Ward/Division: Central Built-Up Area: Liverpool Traditional County: Lancashire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Merseyside Church of England Parish: Liverpool Our Lady and St Nicholas Church of England Diocese: Liverpool |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.4056 / 53°24'20"N Longitude: -2.996 / 2°59'45"W OS Eastings: 333880 OS Northings: 390329 OS Grid: SJ338903 Mapcode National: GBR 71P.X5 Mapcode Global: WH876.YNHJ Plus Code: 9C5VC243+7H |
25 June 2020 (11:25) - Fire crews tackling blaze at Crawley Inn, Witney
Six fire crews are dealing with a blaze at an Oxfordshire pub. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the Crawley Inn, Witney, at 11.25am this morning. The fire is in the first floor and roof of the Foxburrow Lane pub.
Crews from various fire stations, including Rewley Road (Oxford), Witney, Charlbury, Bampton, Eynsham and Kidlington are all at the scene, plus an incident support unit to provide cylinders for breathing apparatus. The fire service said that firefighters are using four water jets to try to tackle the blaze. Thankfully there is no report of any injuries.
More to follow.
If the Crawley Inn looks like a farm house, that is because it was. The New Inn opened in the farmhouse in 1789. It was bought by Clinch & Co brewery in 1926.
News Source: Oxford Mail
Crews from various fire stations, including Rewley Road (Oxford), Witney, Charlbury, Bampton, Eynsham and Kidlington are all at the scene, plus an incident support unit to provide cylinders for breathing apparatus. The fire service said that firefighters are using four water jets to try to tackle the blaze. Thankfully there is no report of any injuries.
More to follow.
If the Crawley Inn looks like a farm house, that is because it was. The New Inn opened in the farmhouse in 1789. It was bought by Clinch & Co brewery in 1926.
News Source: Oxford Mail
25 June 2020 (05:30*) - Police appeal for information after 'deliberate fire'
Police are appealing for witnesses to a fire that is suspected to have been started deliberately. It happened on King Street, Penrith with emergency services being called at about 5.30am on June 25. A piece of property was alight outside a building housing a number of flats. The fire was extinguished and no one was hurt.
The front door to the property suffered some damager but the potential for it to have been a move serious incident was there. An investigation is underway by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Police. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time, or anyone who has any information, to contact them on 101, referring to incident of June 25.
The incident is believed to have been at Crown Lane Apartments, 9 King Street, which is an 18th century Grade II listed building.
News Source: News and Star
The front door to the property suffered some damager but the potential for it to have been a move serious incident was there. An investigation is underway by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Police. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time, or anyone who has any information, to contact them on 101, referring to incident of June 25.
The incident is believed to have been at Crown Lane Apartments, 9 King Street, which is an 18th century Grade II listed building.
News Source: News and Star
Entry Name: 9 and 10, King Street
Listing Date: 26 July 1982 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1145069 English Heritage Legacy ID: 72877 Location: Penrith, Eden, Cumbria, CA11 County: Cumbria Civil Parish: Penrith Built-Up Area: Penrith Traditional County: Cumberland Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cumbria Church of England Parish: Penrith St Andrew Church of England Diocese: Carlisle |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.6635 / 54°39'48"N Longitude: -2.751 / 2°45'3"W OS Eastings: 351657 OS Northings: 530083 OS Grid: NY516300 Mapcode National: GBR 9G7J.71 Mapcode Global: WH81B.Q16Q Plus Code: 9C6VM67X+CJ |
Near Miss
24 June 2020 (19:30*) - Group having a BBQ on Great Orme panicked when they saw police and set fire to bin
24 June 2020 (19:30*) - Group having a BBQ on Great Orme panicked when they saw police and set fire to bin
A group of people having a barbecue on the Great Orme started a bin fire after they had panicked when they saw police turn up. According to North Wales Police's West Conwy Coastal team, officers were on patrol in the area and came across the group.
A spokesperson said: "Some panicked when they saw us and one of them put their disposable BBQ in the bin which then went on fire. Colleagues from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended and put the fire out. Thankfully the grass did not catch fire as the wind was blowing in the other direction; however this could have easily escalated. Keep the BBQ's for your back garden."
The foundations of the summit complex was an early Victorian semaphore station. This formed part of the essential optical telegraph system where a message from Holyhead could be received in Liverpool in 27 seconds.
In the early twentieth century, the building was transformed into the Summit Hotel. A Nine bedroom hotel which served as the 19th hole for the Great Orme Golf Club. The Golf Club Closed in 1939 and is now a sheep farm. During the Second World War, the Summit Complex was requisitioned by the RAF, and became a temporary Radar Station.
News Source: North Wales Pioneer
A spokesperson said: "Some panicked when they saw us and one of them put their disposable BBQ in the bin which then went on fire. Colleagues from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended and put the fire out. Thankfully the grass did not catch fire as the wind was blowing in the other direction; however this could have easily escalated. Keep the BBQ's for your back garden."
The foundations of the summit complex was an early Victorian semaphore station. This formed part of the essential optical telegraph system where a message from Holyhead could be received in Liverpool in 27 seconds.
In the early twentieth century, the building was transformed into the Summit Hotel. A Nine bedroom hotel which served as the 19th hole for the Great Orme Golf Club. The Golf Club Closed in 1939 and is now a sheep farm. During the Second World War, the Summit Complex was requisitioned by the RAF, and became a temporary Radar Station.
News Source: North Wales Pioneer
Near Miss
24 June 2020 (16:02) - Raging car fire in Derby city centre
24 June 2020 (16:02) - Raging car fire in Derby city centre
A video shows the dramatic moment a car was engulfed in flames in Derby city centre. Footage shows the blaze ravage the vehicle in London Road, near Cash Generator. The incident happened just after 4pm on Tuesday.
No-one was injured and firefighters were called to tackle the blaze. Derbyshire police closed the road for a short while. A spokesperson for the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 4.02pm we were called to London Road near to Cash Generator to a car well alight. Our crew from Ascot Drive attended. Two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire. The owner was with his car and was given advice. It took us 10 minutes to make the area safe. Police put a closure on the road so we could safely attend the scene and tackle the fire."
The building occupied now by Cash Generator was built in 1911. It was used by the Trent Motor Traction Co as a bus garage from early 1914 to mid 1915, until a new garage was built and opened on Uttoxeter New Road. Showboat amusement arcade occupied it in the 1970s and 80s. It was known as “Showboat One” as it was the first Showboat in the country out of about eighty; there were four in Derby alone at its height.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
No-one was injured and firefighters were called to tackle the blaze. Derbyshire police closed the road for a short while. A spokesperson for the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 4.02pm we were called to London Road near to Cash Generator to a car well alight. Our crew from Ascot Drive attended. Two hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire. The owner was with his car and was given advice. It took us 10 minutes to make the area safe. Police put a closure on the road so we could safely attend the scene and tackle the fire."
The building occupied now by Cash Generator was built in 1911. It was used by the Trent Motor Traction Co as a bus garage from early 1914 to mid 1915, until a new garage was built and opened on Uttoxeter New Road. Showboat amusement arcade occupied it in the 1970s and 80s. It was known as “Showboat One” as it was the first Showboat in the country out of about eighty; there were four in Derby alone at its height.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
Near Miss
24 June 2020 (16:00*) - Fire near National Trust landmark takes five hours to extinguish
24 June 2020 (16:00*) - Fire near National Trust landmark takes five hours to extinguish
Firefighters had to use a boat in a five hour operation to control a blaze near Horsey Windpump (Drainage Mill). Emergency services were called shortly before 4pm to a grass fire that had taken hold close to the National Trust site on the Norfolk Broads.
Fire crews from Marthan and Stalham attended the scene and the fire was brought under control after 9pm. The iconic windpump is located next to Horsey Mere, about a mile inland from the coast. Difficulty accessing the fire in undergrowth on the opposite side of the water meant a fire service boat was used. The car park at the National Trust maintained site was recently reopened following the coronavirus lockdown. The windpump remains closed to the public. A similar fire incident happened in July 2018.
The windpump is a Grade II* listed building built in the mid 19th century.
News Source: Eastern Daily Press
Fire crews from Marthan and Stalham attended the scene and the fire was brought under control after 9pm. The iconic windpump is located next to Horsey Mere, about a mile inland from the coast. Difficulty accessing the fire in undergrowth on the opposite side of the water meant a fire service boat was used. The car park at the National Trust maintained site was recently reopened following the coronavirus lockdown. The windpump remains closed to the public. A similar fire incident happened in July 2018.
The windpump is a Grade II* listed building built in the mid 19th century.
News Source: Eastern Daily Press
Entry Name: Horsey Drainage Mill
Listing Date: 15 April 1955 Last Amended: 30 September 1987 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1373716 English Heritage Legacy ID: 223656 Location: Horsey, North Norfolk, Norfolk, NR29 County: Norfolk District: North Norfolk Civil Parish: Horsey Traditional County: Norfolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Norfolk Church of England Parish: Horsey All Saints Church of England Diocese: Norwich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.741 / 52°44'27"N Longitude: 1.639 / 1°38'20"E OS Eastings: 645733 OS Northings: 322146 OS Grid: TG457221 Mapcode National: GBR YNJ.17D Mapcode Global: WHNVC.4CRH Plus Code: 9F43PJRQ+CJ |
24 June 2020 (10:10) - Another fire at Tamworth takeaway China Palace in Church Street
Crews are at a second Tamworth takeaway fire in the space of just two days. Another fire has broken out at China Palace in Church Street in the town centre this morning (Wednesday). It is described as a small fire in the extraction unit. Two crews attended. It follows another blaze at the same place on Monday evening.
70 Church Street is Grade II listed. The shop was built in the early 19th century (1820-1840) and has a carriage entrance to its right. This passage has large hooks to the beams.
News Source: Birmingham Live
70 Church Street is Grade II listed. The shop was built in the early 19th century (1820-1840) and has a carriage entrance to its right. This passage has large hooks to the beams.
News Source: Birmingham Live
Entry Name: 70, Church Street
Listing Date: 28 February 1992 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1197044 English Heritage Legacy ID: 386459 Location: Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 County: Staffordshire District: Tamworth Town: Tamworth Electoral Ward/Division: Castle Built-Up Area: Tamworth Traditional County: Warwickshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Staffordshire Church of England Parish: Tamworth St Editha Church of England Diocese: Lichfield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.6338 / 52°38'1"N Longitude: -1.6969 / 1°41'48"W OS Eastings: 420607 OS Northings: 304049 OS Grid: SK206040 Mapcode National: GBR 4FD.XFD Mapcode Global: WHCH3.X235 Plus Code: 9C4WJ8M3+G6 |
23 June 2020 (18:22) - Derelict Glaisnock House falls victim to another fire
Glaisnock House has fallen victim to another fire after crews tackled a blaze this week. Three fire appliances rushed to the scene around 6.30pm on Tuesday after a fire had broken out within the annex of the derelict building.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.22pm on Tuesday, June 23 to reports of a fire in the open at Glaisnock Road, Cumnock. Three fire appliances were mobilised to the scene, where crews extinguished a fire involving a quantity of refuse within the annex of a derelict building. There were no reported casualties. Crews left at 7.42pm."
On the 16th March, crews were called out to tackle another blaze at the abandoned mansion, which was previously boarded up by the council out of safety fears. Children as young as ten had been spotted drinking and smoking at the abandoned building, after complaints last year. East Ayrshire Council previously stepped in to secure the privately-owned building. They insist the responsibility to look after the house belongs to the owners but they will still act as a ‘safety net’.
Built in about 1833 and extended later in the 19th century, the mansion house is Category B listed.
News Source: Cumnock Chronicle
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.22pm on Tuesday, June 23 to reports of a fire in the open at Glaisnock Road, Cumnock. Three fire appliances were mobilised to the scene, where crews extinguished a fire involving a quantity of refuse within the annex of a derelict building. There were no reported casualties. Crews left at 7.42pm."
On the 16th March, crews were called out to tackle another blaze at the abandoned mansion, which was previously boarded up by the council out of safety fears. Children as young as ten had been spotted drinking and smoking at the abandoned building, after complaints last year. East Ayrshire Council previously stepped in to secure the privately-owned building. They insist the responsibility to look after the house belongs to the owners but they will still act as a ‘safety net’.
Built in about 1833 and extended later in the 19th century, the mansion house is Category B listed.
News Source: Cumnock Chronicle
Listing Details
Entry Name: Glaisnock House with Terrace Walls and Steps
Listing Date: 11 September 1997 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 391215 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB44604 Building Class: Cultural Location: Old Cumnock County: East Ayrshire Electoral Ward: Cumnock and New Cumnock Parish: Old Cumnock Traditional County: Ayrshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.4345 / 55°26'4"N Longitude: -4.2538 / 4°15'13"W OS Eastings: 257496 OS Northings: 617929 OS Grid: NS574179 Mapcode National: GBR 3S.ZL3X Mapcode Global: WH3R6.MNLQ |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Glaisnock Mansion House in Cumnock, East Ayrshire was designed in the 1830’s by James Ingram of Kilmarnock for a Mr James Allason who was known for being highly ranked in the military. In the mid 1800s, the Estate passed from the Allason family to Captain Robert Campbell of Auchmannoch in the parish of Sorn.
The estate was broken up around 1949 with the mansion being bought by the East Ayrshire Council who opened the building as a junior secondary school three years later. Glaisnock was operated as a four year school from 1968 until its closure in June 1973 and was left to fall into disrepair while it was being used as a residential centre for outdoor studies. In 2005, a £6 million refurbishment plan got underway to transform Glaisnock House into a European Centre for Creativity which failed due to safety concerns.
It had been lying empty until Xu Yaang bought it in 2014 and had high hopes to turn the property into a Chinese language and heritage centre. Development plans were put in place so that Chinese students and entrepreneurs would flock to the building to learn English and be tutored in European culture.
The sale of Glaisnock House to Mr Yaang was hailed in the community as being an exciting new chapter for the property. But he died of a brain tumour in August 2015 and the building has been left almost untouched ever since, except for intruders, of course.
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said: “Glaisnock House was inspected in September 2016 and it was noted that a number of ground floor windows had been broken. Contact was made with the owner's solicitors to request that they arrange the necessary work to be carried out to secure the building. There was no response to this communication and at the end of 2016, we took action to board up lower floor windows with metal sheeting. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Images taken by East Kilbride photographer Lee Gannon in 2017 show the once majestic house in the same derelict condition it was left in due to a family dispute over Mr Yaang's will.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Glaisnock Mansion House in Cumnock, East Ayrshire was designed in the 1830’s by James Ingram of Kilmarnock for a Mr James Allason who was known for being highly ranked in the military. In the mid 1800s, the Estate passed from the Allason family to Captain Robert Campbell of Auchmannoch in the parish of Sorn.
The estate was broken up around 1949 with the mansion being bought by the East Ayrshire Council who opened the building as a junior secondary school three years later. Glaisnock was operated as a four year school from 1968 until its closure in June 1973 and was left to fall into disrepair while it was being used as a residential centre for outdoor studies. In 2005, a £6 million refurbishment plan got underway to transform Glaisnock House into a European Centre for Creativity which failed due to safety concerns.
It had been lying empty until Xu Yaang bought it in 2014 and had high hopes to turn the property into a Chinese language and heritage centre. Development plans were put in place so that Chinese students and entrepreneurs would flock to the building to learn English and be tutored in European culture.
The sale of Glaisnock House to Mr Yaang was hailed in the community as being an exciting new chapter for the property. But he died of a brain tumour in August 2015 and the building has been left almost untouched ever since, except for intruders, of course.
A spokesman for East Ayrshire Council said: “Glaisnock House was inspected in September 2016 and it was noted that a number of ground floor windows had been broken. Contact was made with the owner's solicitors to request that they arrange the necessary work to be carried out to secure the building. There was no response to this communication and at the end of 2016, we took action to board up lower floor windows with metal sheeting. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Images taken by East Kilbride photographer Lee Gannon in 2017 show the once majestic house in the same derelict condition it was left in due to a family dispute over Mr Yaang's will.
23 June 2020 (15:15) - "Lots of smoke" - Fire at Salty's in Yarmouth
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been mobilised to reports of a large fire in Yarmouth this afternoon (Tuesday). Firefighters from Freshwater, Newport and Cowes are currently responding to the incident which is believed to have broken out on Quay Street – more appliances are en route.
Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from a commercial premises. The Incident Command Unit and Aerial Ladder Platform from Newport are also responding to the incident alongside a fire officer. Fire control was initially called to the blaze at approximately 15:15.
The fire is thought to have been started by an electrical fault in the upstairs office and spread to the kitchen at the side of it and the ladies toilet. Serious danage was caused to the roof of Salty’s Bar & Restaurant, a landmark building between the George Hotel and Wightlink. Breathing Apparatus (BA) wearers have entered the building to tackle the fire – removing furniture in the process. Multiple hose reels are being utilised along with water being used from nearby hydrants. 4 fire appliances are now in attendance including 2 from Newport, 1 from Freshwater & 1 from Cowes. Quay Street has been closed and cordons have been established in the area with pedestrians delivering locally. It is currently unknown as to whether there has been any damage to the scheduled monument, Yarmouth Castle or the Grade II* listed George Hotel.
The Salty’s building was built around the mid 19th century and was originally a sail-loft, appearing on the 1866 OS map which was surveyed in 1862. Quay Street lies within the Yarmouth Conservation Area.
News Source: Island Echo
Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from a commercial premises. The Incident Command Unit and Aerial Ladder Platform from Newport are also responding to the incident alongside a fire officer. Fire control was initially called to the blaze at approximately 15:15.
The fire is thought to have been started by an electrical fault in the upstairs office and spread to the kitchen at the side of it and the ladies toilet. Serious danage was caused to the roof of Salty’s Bar & Restaurant, a landmark building between the George Hotel and Wightlink. Breathing Apparatus (BA) wearers have entered the building to tackle the fire – removing furniture in the process. Multiple hose reels are being utilised along with water being used from nearby hydrants. 4 fire appliances are now in attendance including 2 from Newport, 1 from Freshwater & 1 from Cowes. Quay Street has been closed and cordons have been established in the area with pedestrians delivering locally. It is currently unknown as to whether there has been any damage to the scheduled monument, Yarmouth Castle or the Grade II* listed George Hotel.
The Salty’s building was built around the mid 19th century and was originally a sail-loft, appearing on the 1866 OS map which was surveyed in 1862. Quay Street lies within the Yarmouth Conservation Area.
News Source: Island Echo
22 June 2020 (18:00*) - Fire at Tamworth takeaway China Palace
Multiple fire engines were sent to the scene after a blaze at a Tamworth takeaway. The fire broke out at around 6pm last night (Monday) at China Palace in Church Street. One patient was checked over by paramedics but discharged at the scene uninjured.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to a report of a fire at a business on Church Street in Tamworth at 6pm on Monday night. Two crews from Tamworth, a crew from Lichfield, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent and Abbots Bromley all attended the fire which is believed to have started in a kitchen due to unattended cooking. Six firefighters wore breathing apparatus at the height of the blaze and three hose reel jets to tackle the flames. Crews then re-attended on Tuesday morning to reinspect and check the premises with a thermal imaging camera for hotspots. The fire was deemed accidental.”
70 Church Street is Grade II listed. The shop was built in the early 19th century (1820-1840) and has a carriage entrance to its right. This passage has large hooks to the beams.
News Source: Birmingham Live
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to a report of a fire at a business on Church Street in Tamworth at 6pm on Monday night. Two crews from Tamworth, a crew from Lichfield, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent and Abbots Bromley all attended the fire which is believed to have started in a kitchen due to unattended cooking. Six firefighters wore breathing apparatus at the height of the blaze and three hose reel jets to tackle the flames. Crews then re-attended on Tuesday morning to reinspect and check the premises with a thermal imaging camera for hotspots. The fire was deemed accidental.”
70 Church Street is Grade II listed. The shop was built in the early 19th century (1820-1840) and has a carriage entrance to its right. This passage has large hooks to the beams.
News Source: Birmingham Live
Entry Name: 70, Church Street
Listing Date: 28 February 1992 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1197044 English Heritage Legacy ID: 386459 Location: Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 County: Staffordshire District: Tamworth Town: Tamworth Electoral Ward/Division: Castle Built-Up Area: Tamworth Traditional County: Warwickshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Staffordshire Church of England Parish: Tamworth St Editha Church of England Diocese: Lichfield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.6338 / 52°38'1"N Longitude: -1.6969 / 1°41'48"W OS Eastings: 420607 OS Northings: 304049 OS Grid: SK206040 Mapcode National: GBR 4FD.XFD Mapcode Global: WHCH3.X235 Plus Code: 9C4WJ8M3+G6 |
21 June 2020 (13:08) - Investigation underway after flat fire in Hadleigh High Street
Fire crews are beginning investigations after they were called to a flat on fire in Hadleigh on Sunday afternoon. Suffolk Fire Service were called to the fire on High Street just after 1pm. Crews from Ipswich East, Princes Street and Hadleigh dealt with the fire. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and it was extinguished by 1.40pm. A stop was called at 1.55pm. A spokesman for the fire service said that two breathing apparatus, a hose reel and positive pressure ventilation were used to control the fire. An investigation into the fire is currently underway.
Later this afternoon following enquiries, Suffolk police arrested a 19 year old man and a 17 year boy both on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, burglary and possession of cannabis. They have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where they remain.
The incident took place at an early 19th century Grade II listed building. It also lies within the Hadleigh Conservation Area. The quality of Hadleigh’s buildings is reflected in the majority of the High Street area being listed Grade II or II*
News Source: Sudbury Mercury
Later this afternoon following enquiries, Suffolk police arrested a 19 year old man and a 17 year boy both on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, burglary and possession of cannabis. They have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning where they remain.
The incident took place at an early 19th century Grade II listed building. It also lies within the Hadleigh Conservation Area. The quality of Hadleigh’s buildings is reflected in the majority of the High Street area being listed Grade II or II*
News Source: Sudbury Mercury
Listing Details
Entry Name: 116, High Street
Listing Date: 26 April 1950 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1194315 English Heritage Legacy ID: 277718 Location: Hadleigh, Babergh, Suffolk, IP7 County: Suffolk Civil Parish: Hadleigh Built-Up Area: Hadleigh Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Hadleigh St Mary Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.0462 / 52°2'46"N Longitude: 0.9523 / 0°57'8"E OS Eastings: 602545 OS Northings: 242763 OS Grid: TM025427 Mapcode National: GBR SL9.ML2 Mapcode Global: VHKF7.GT8Q Plus Code: 9F422XW2+FW |
20 June 2020 (22:55*) - Derelict Hospital in Londonderry goes up in flames with 50 firefighters on scene – arson suspected
A call was made shortly before 11pm last night to alert the fire brigade. Six fire engines and another five specialist vehicles were summoned to the scene. The site is close to Oakgrove Integrated College on the eastern banks of the Foyle, which operates on a newly-built campus. The fire is concentrated in the old abandoned building which stand nearby, unoccupied. Specifically the blaze consumed a large two-floor red-brick Victorian style building which, after being a hospital and mental asylum, became a college.
The roof of the building was on fire, and the firefighters remained on the scene until late morning today, dampening down the area. There is no electricty to the building, so fire fighters have ruled out the blaze being caused by a fault. There were also no fire alarms. Group commander Jonathan Tate said: “Early indications are this was a deliberate fire, and police are investigating. I suppose there’s never a good outcome to a fire like this, but the fact is we were able to keep it to the area where it started to try to preserve the heritage that’s there.”
The PSNI said a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of arson and they both remained in custody this morning. Chief inspector Jonny Hunter said: “I am appealing to anyone who has information about this fire to call us.”
Built between 1902 and 1905, the building is an important part of medical history going towards the formation of the National Health Service. Despite its long history, the building has never been awarded listed status.
News Source: Londonderry Sentinel
The roof of the building was on fire, and the firefighters remained on the scene until late morning today, dampening down the area. There is no electricty to the building, so fire fighters have ruled out the blaze being caused by a fault. There were also no fire alarms. Group commander Jonathan Tate said: “Early indications are this was a deliberate fire, and police are investigating. I suppose there’s never a good outcome to a fire like this, but the fact is we were able to keep it to the area where it started to try to preserve the heritage that’s there.”
The PSNI said a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of arson and they both remained in custody this morning. Chief inspector Jonny Hunter said: “I am appealing to anyone who has information about this fire to call us.”
Built between 1902 and 1905, the building is an important part of medical history going towards the formation of the National Health Service. Despite its long history, the building has never been awarded listed status.
News Source: Londonderry Sentinel
Hospital History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Gransha Hospital was commissioned to replace the aging Londonderry County Asylum. It was designed by Matthew Alexander Robinson in the Victorian style and built between 1902 and 1905 as the Londonderry Lunatic Asylum in what was seen at the time as progressive move.
After joining the National Health Service in 1948, the facility evolved to become the Stradreagh Hospital. Two gate lodges were added in the 1960s. Following the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s the hospital went into a period of decline. The number of patients resident at Gransha has dropped dramatically from 600 people in the 1960s to just 14 in 2011. Almost all buildings in the old hospital were closed by December of that year.
The main building of the old hospital was occupied by Oakgrove Integrated College on a temporary basis from 1992 until the college moved into modern purpose-built accommodation in 2004. It was subsequently left to decay and was badly damaged in a serious fire in March 2016.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Gransha Hospital was commissioned to replace the aging Londonderry County Asylum. It was designed by Matthew Alexander Robinson in the Victorian style and built between 1902 and 1905 as the Londonderry Lunatic Asylum in what was seen at the time as progressive move.
After joining the National Health Service in 1948, the facility evolved to become the Stradreagh Hospital. Two gate lodges were added in the 1960s. Following the introduction of Care in the Community in the early 1980s the hospital went into a period of decline. The number of patients resident at Gransha has dropped dramatically from 600 people in the 1960s to just 14 in 2011. Almost all buildings in the old hospital were closed by December of that year.
The main building of the old hospital was occupied by Oakgrove Integrated College on a temporary basis from 1992 until the college moved into modern purpose-built accommodation in 2004. It was subsequently left to decay and was badly damaged in a serious fire in March 2016.
20 June 2020 (20:20) - Fire crews called to smoke filled house in Thirsk
Firefighters were called to a 'heavily smoke logged' house in Thirsk after the property's fire alarm went off. It happened on Kirkgate at around 8.20pm last night – which is, incidentally, at 20:20 on the 20th June 2020! Crews discovered that the smoke was coming from a toilet roll and its holder, after ash from a cigarette had been dropped onto it. The firefighters from Thirsk and Northallerton used a hose reel jet, 2 breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera while at the incident.
The incident was at number 29 Kirkgate, which is a Grade II listed late 18th century Georgian town house. Kirkgate is often cited as the best preserved street in Thirsk and lies within the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area.
News Source: Minster FM
The incident was at number 29 Kirkgate, which is a Grade II listed late 18th century Georgian town house. Kirkgate is often cited as the best preserved street in Thirsk and lies within the Thirsk and Sowerby Conservation Area.
News Source: Minster FM
Entry Name: 29, Kirkgate
Listing Date: 20 June 1966 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1190506 English Heritage Legacy ID: 333292 Location: Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire, YO7 County: North Yorkshire District: Hambleton Civil Parish: Thirsk Built-Up Area: Thirsk Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): North Yorkshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.2335 / 54°14'0"N Longitude: -1.3451 / 1°20'42"W OS Eastings: 442787 OS Northings: 482171 OS Grid: SE427821 Mapcode National: GBR MM1H.L5 Mapcode Global: WHD8H.9VQF Plus Code: 9C6W6MM3+9X |
20 June 2020 (15:08) - Crews called to thatched cottage blaze in Birchington
Fire crews and police are currently at the scene of a blaze in Birchington. Some seven fire engines responded to the property fire off Minnis Road this afternoon (June 20). The blaze is at a thatched roof cottage. Fire crews were called at 3.08pm.
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a fire in a thatched property in Minnis Road, Birchington. Seven fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene, and crews wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the blaze with main jets. There are currently no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known.”
The fire is at Elder Cottage, which together with the attached (non-thatched) Old Bay Cottage are Grade II listed. Elder Cottage is faced with 18th century bricks but may have 15th century origins as its neighbour.
News Source: Kent Online
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a fire in a thatched property in Minnis Road, Birchington. Seven fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene, and crews wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the blaze with main jets. There are currently no reported injuries and the cause is not yet known.”
The fire is at Elder Cottage, which together with the attached (non-thatched) Old Bay Cottage are Grade II listed. Elder Cottage is faced with 18th century bricks but may have 15th century origins as its neighbour.
News Source: Kent Online
Listing Details
Entry Name: Elder Cottage & Old Bay Cottage
Listing Date: 22 February 1973 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1094660 English Heritage Legacy ID: 356635 Location: Birchington, Thanet, Kent, CT7 County: Kent District: Thanet Civil Parish: Birchington Built-Up Area: Margate Traditional County: Kent Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Kent |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3778 / 51°22'40"N Longitude: 1.2889 / 1°17'20"E OS Eastings: 628977 OS Northings: 169439 OS Grid: TR289694 Mapcode National: GBR VYJ.GPT Mapcode Global: VHLG5.9M7N Plus Code: 9F3397HQ+4H |
19 June 2020 (18:00*) - Crews rush to fire at derelict building in city
Firefighters rushed to tackle a blaze at a derelict building in the city. The incident happened last night at about 6pm in Arbour Lane, Chelmsford. On arrival firefighters reported that there was a small fire on the ground floor which they quickly extinguished. The building was left with minimal fire damage and the cause has been recorded as deliberate or accidental as both are possibilities.
The fire was at the former pub, The Admiral J McHardy. The pub first opened in 1861 and has catered to a group of residents in Springfield ever since. Originally known as the Alma Inn, after the Battle of Alma in 1854 during the Crimean War, the pub has survived two world wars and several recessions. The first planning application was made in 2017 while the pub was still open. This was for the Demolition of the existing building and construction of two semi-detached dwellings and four terraced dwellings with parking. This was refused by the Council in June 2017, but a further outline planning application was submitted to demolish the pub and develop the space into 8 flats across three buildings. This was given outline permission in October 2017. The pub’s 157-year tenure came to an abrupt end in 2018 after managers at the establishment confirmed they would be closing their doors.
At the time, manager Jan Wiles says she was "devastated" by the closure and was still hoping the site could somehow remain a pub despite the impending closure. “The pub has been doing really well but unfortunately it seems like money talks," Jan said. “It was doing as well as it possibility could have done, even without any money spent on it, because that is not what the owners wanted to do. The regulars really did try everything they could but when the council put their planning application up on their website, we were all gutted. Everybody has tried their best to keep the pub going but it the end it didn’t work. I’m absolutely devastated. The regulars here are fantastic, we’re all such a close knit community but not only that, they’re all so welcoming to newcomers. It’s just a fantastic place and a fantastic atmosphere here. Myself, the team working with me and all the regulars are devastated. I think we’re probably still clinging to the hope that even though the doors will close, the application won’t go through and it can continue to be a pub.”
On the 11th June, the pub was successfully added to the Assets of Community Value Register following a “Save the Alma” Nomination. The reason for the decision was given as: “There is a time in the recent past when the actual use of the building or other land that is not an ancillary use furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community. It is realistic to think that there can continue to be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further (whether or not in the same way) the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community within the next five years.”
A full planning application made for 10 flats was refused on the 27th November 2019, and an appeal was lodged against the refusal. In the meantime, a new application for 9 flats, submitted in May is still pending a decision.
Comments on the application include one from Ian Rodie, who said, “This building is of historic significance to the area. It is unique in its construction and would be a big loss to the community from an architectural and visual point of view. I recommend the demolition of such to be refused as it is nothing more than a form of vandalism and CCC should pride itself in supporting the preservation of such proprieties in a time when a lot of Chelmsford’s architectural history has or is being lost.” Richard Buckthorpe-Cooper agreed, writing, “I would like to register strong objection to the demolition of the property. It is of local historic value, and a valuable community asset.”
News Source: Chelmsford and Mid Essex Times
The fire was at the former pub, The Admiral J McHardy. The pub first opened in 1861 and has catered to a group of residents in Springfield ever since. Originally known as the Alma Inn, after the Battle of Alma in 1854 during the Crimean War, the pub has survived two world wars and several recessions. The first planning application was made in 2017 while the pub was still open. This was for the Demolition of the existing building and construction of two semi-detached dwellings and four terraced dwellings with parking. This was refused by the Council in June 2017, but a further outline planning application was submitted to demolish the pub and develop the space into 8 flats across three buildings. This was given outline permission in October 2017. The pub’s 157-year tenure came to an abrupt end in 2018 after managers at the establishment confirmed they would be closing their doors.
At the time, manager Jan Wiles says she was "devastated" by the closure and was still hoping the site could somehow remain a pub despite the impending closure. “The pub has been doing really well but unfortunately it seems like money talks," Jan said. “It was doing as well as it possibility could have done, even without any money spent on it, because that is not what the owners wanted to do. The regulars really did try everything they could but when the council put their planning application up on their website, we were all gutted. Everybody has tried their best to keep the pub going but it the end it didn’t work. I’m absolutely devastated. The regulars here are fantastic, we’re all such a close knit community but not only that, they’re all so welcoming to newcomers. It’s just a fantastic place and a fantastic atmosphere here. Myself, the team working with me and all the regulars are devastated. I think we’re probably still clinging to the hope that even though the doors will close, the application won’t go through and it can continue to be a pub.”
On the 11th June, the pub was successfully added to the Assets of Community Value Register following a “Save the Alma” Nomination. The reason for the decision was given as: “There is a time in the recent past when the actual use of the building or other land that is not an ancillary use furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community. It is realistic to think that there can continue to be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further (whether or not in the same way) the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community within the next five years.”
A full planning application made for 10 flats was refused on the 27th November 2019, and an appeal was lodged against the refusal. In the meantime, a new application for 9 flats, submitted in May is still pending a decision.
Comments on the application include one from Ian Rodie, who said, “This building is of historic significance to the area. It is unique in its construction and would be a big loss to the community from an architectural and visual point of view. I recommend the demolition of such to be refused as it is nothing more than a form of vandalism and CCC should pride itself in supporting the preservation of such proprieties in a time when a lot of Chelmsford’s architectural history has or is being lost.” Richard Buckthorpe-Cooper agreed, writing, “I would like to register strong objection to the demolition of the property. It is of local historic value, and a valuable community asset.”
News Source: Chelmsford and Mid Essex Times
18 June 2020 (20:40) - Firefighters tackle terrifying fire at derelict building on Duke Street, Glasgow
A massive explosion has shaken houses and shops in Glasgow's East End. Fire crews have raced to a derelict building close to Duke Street after reports of a 'horrendous bang' at around 8.40pm on Thursday. It is not yet known what caused the explosion, but plumes of black smoke can be seen for miles. Multiple appliances are in attendance, and roads nearby have been closed off. There are no reports of any injuries.
Local councillor Allan Casey said the fire appears to have started from a site that houses waste close by. He tweeted: "I understand there has been a loud explosion in the Dennistoun area. This seems to have stemmed from a fire at a site that houses waste just off Duke Street. @scotfire_glasgo are on site and dealing with the incident. I hope everyone is safe."
Residents on social media reported hearing the bang earlier this evening - with many saying they could feel it shake their houses. One said: "Huge explosion coming from Parkhead, massive amounts of smoke. Looks like a huge fire developing." Another wrote: "Tesco Parkhead in Glasgow's East end rocked by blast of explosion of some sort at around 9pm. Looks like a major incident towards Carntyne. Hope no one is injured."
Firefighters broke into the building which was engulfed by the inferno. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Spokesperson said: "In the vicinity of Duke Street in Glasgow we're attending a derelict building on fire. We got quite a lot of repeat calls in around 8.40pm." Six fire engines have been called to the scene and remain in place and locals were urged to keep their windows shut.
Around 30 firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire. There were still six appliances dealing with the incident at 6.30am on Friday morning.
The building on fire is next to an old scrapyard near Todd Street. Until now, this sad looking former house, No. 940 Duke Street, had been a real survivor. It was built before 1892, as it appears on the OS map surveyed that year. It was once the end house of a terraced row of about nine dwellings. It is a real shame that this building, built before any person who is alive on Earth, ends its days used as an anonymous tyre dump, and set on fire.
News Source: Glasgow Times
Local councillor Allan Casey said the fire appears to have started from a site that houses waste close by. He tweeted: "I understand there has been a loud explosion in the Dennistoun area. This seems to have stemmed from a fire at a site that houses waste just off Duke Street. @scotfire_glasgo are on site and dealing with the incident. I hope everyone is safe."
Residents on social media reported hearing the bang earlier this evening - with many saying they could feel it shake their houses. One said: "Huge explosion coming from Parkhead, massive amounts of smoke. Looks like a huge fire developing." Another wrote: "Tesco Parkhead in Glasgow's East end rocked by blast of explosion of some sort at around 9pm. Looks like a major incident towards Carntyne. Hope no one is injured."
Firefighters broke into the building which was engulfed by the inferno. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Spokesperson said: "In the vicinity of Duke Street in Glasgow we're attending a derelict building on fire. We got quite a lot of repeat calls in around 8.40pm." Six fire engines have been called to the scene and remain in place and locals were urged to keep their windows shut.
Around 30 firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire. There were still six appliances dealing with the incident at 6.30am on Friday morning.
The building on fire is next to an old scrapyard near Todd Street. Until now, this sad looking former house, No. 940 Duke Street, had been a real survivor. It was built before 1892, as it appears on the OS map surveyed that year. It was once the end house of a terraced row of about nine dwellings. It is a real shame that this building, built before any person who is alive on Earth, ends its days used as an anonymous tyre dump, and set on fire.
News Source: Glasgow Times
18 June 2020 (09:00*) - Fire crews tackle roof blaze at former Letham Grange resort hotel
Firefighters have tackled a roof blaze at the former Letham Grange resort near Arbroath. The blaze broke out in the main building of the one-time luxury hotel around 9am on Thursday. Residents of the estate, near Colliston, a few miles north of Arbroath, raised the alarm after seeing smoke coming from the west corner of the mansion.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said two appliances from Arbroath and a height appliance from Dundee’s Macalpine Road station dealt with the incident. Fire crews remained on the scene for around two hours, but serious damage to the building was averted due to the quick response. The cause of the blaze is not known at this stage, although it is understood workmen have been in the building in recent weeks.
Once a popular hotel with a curling rink and a golf club tagged the “Augusta of the North”, Letham Grange was at the centre of as lengthy ownership wrangle following the collapse of a development company in 2002. Despite the hotel closure, golfers kept the two highly-rated courses operational until taking the reluctant decision late last year to disband the club and shut them down. The 15-year ownership dispute over the Victorian mansion house and its courses was one of the longest-running and most complex tussles in Scottish legal history.
After years of litigation, a 2018 settlement had been reached between the liquidator of Letham Grange Development Company, the company’s former Taiwanese owner Peter Liu and its most recent owners, PI Ltd. The move resulted in Mr Liu regaining control of the assets through another of his companies.
The mansion house was designed by Archibald Simpson, and built in 1828. It is Category B listed.
News Source: The Courier
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said two appliances from Arbroath and a height appliance from Dundee’s Macalpine Road station dealt with the incident. Fire crews remained on the scene for around two hours, but serious damage to the building was averted due to the quick response. The cause of the blaze is not known at this stage, although it is understood workmen have been in the building in recent weeks.
Once a popular hotel with a curling rink and a golf club tagged the “Augusta of the North”, Letham Grange was at the centre of as lengthy ownership wrangle following the collapse of a development company in 2002. Despite the hotel closure, golfers kept the two highly-rated courses operational until taking the reluctant decision late last year to disband the club and shut them down. The 15-year ownership dispute over the Victorian mansion house and its courses was one of the longest-running and most complex tussles in Scottish legal history.
After years of litigation, a 2018 settlement had been reached between the liquidator of Letham Grange Development Company, the company’s former Taiwanese owner Peter Liu and its most recent owners, PI Ltd. The move resulted in Mr Liu regaining control of the assets through another of his companies.
The mansion house was designed by Archibald Simpson, and built in 1828. It is Category B listed.
News Source: The Courier
Entry Name: Letham Grange House
Listing Date: 15 January 1980 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 336025 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB4734 Building Class: Cultural Location: Arbroath and St Vigeans County: Angus Electoral Ward: Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim Parish: Arbroath And St Vigeans Traditional County: Angus |
Coordinates
Latitude: 56.6015 / 56°36'5"N Longitude: -2.6132 / 2°36'47"W OS Eastings: 362452 OS Northings: 745684 OS Grid: NO624456 Mapcode National: GBR VT.Z32V Mapcode Global: WH8S1.TBTJ Plus Code: 9C8VJ92P+JP |
17 June 2020 (21:30*) - Fire Raising, Whitehill, Middlemuir - Strichen
Police Scotland are investigating a fire at a derelict farmhouse at Middliemuir, Strichen. The incident occurred yesterday (Wednesday 17 June 2020) between 9pm and 10pm. Constable Hayley Stephens, of the Mintlaw Local Policing Team, said “Fires are dangerous and can cause significant damage to property as well as the potential for injuries to those involved. I would appeal to anyone within the area who noticed anything suspicious or has any information that may assist our enquiry to call Police on 101, reference 4406 of 17 June. Alternatively you can report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The fire was at Whitehill Farm. The farmhouse and outbuildings possibly date back to the early 19th century. It existed in 1869 during the OS survey of the area. At that time it was occupied by John Hunter, and was owned by G Baird Esq. It is described as “a superior farmhouse and steading.”
News Source: Police Scotland
The fire was at Whitehill Farm. The farmhouse and outbuildings possibly date back to the early 19th century. It existed in 1869 during the OS survey of the area. At that time it was occupied by John Hunter, and was owned by G Baird Esq. It is described as “a superior farmhouse and steading.”
News Source: Police Scotland
Near Miss
17 June 2020 (19:59) - Portswood road, Southampton closed after fire 'destroys building'
17 June 2020 (19:59) - Portswood road, Southampton closed after fire 'destroys building'
A man was rushed to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a fire last night. The 46-year-old was taken to Southampton General Hospital after being injured in a blaze on Portswood Avenue. His injuries have been described as serious but not life-threatening.
Neighbours have described how the man was left burned and distressed following a fire in Portswood Avenue at around 8pm last night. Emergency services wrapped the 46-year-old man in shock blankets after a blaze engulfed an outbuilding, according to witnesses. Portswood Avenue resident Dhaveena Rajathevan, 21, said: "The emergency services wrapped the man up and sat him down. He looked in distress. He had a t-shirt on which was burned at the front and his chest was burned."He had soot all over his face.”
The fire tore through the outbuilding at around 8pm leaving it "completely destroyed". Three engines were sent to tackle the fire which engulfed the brick-made outbuilding and left it "100 per cent damaged". Crews from St Mary's and Eastleigh Fire Stations were on the scene after an emergency call was made just before 8pm. Portswood Road was closed at its junction with Portswood Avenue and police attended the incident. Five breathing apparatus, two jet pumps, three hose reels and an aerial ladder platform were all used to put out the fire. The stop message came in at 9.50pm. Investigations are underway to find the cause of the fire.
A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 7.59pm yesterday (June 17) to reports of a fire at a premises on Portswood Avenue, Southampton. Police attended to assist with a road closure to allow HFRS to get the fire under control. A 46-year-old man from Southampton was injured in the fire and taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment. His injuries are serious but not life-threatening. A fire investigation officer will be attending the scene this morning to examine the source of the fire. At this time it is not being treated as suspicious, but this is pending the results from the examination this morning."
The fire was in an outbuilding was to the side of a late 19th century, Grade II listed villa, known as Swiss Cottage.
News Source: Daily Echo
Neighbours have described how the man was left burned and distressed following a fire in Portswood Avenue at around 8pm last night. Emergency services wrapped the 46-year-old man in shock blankets after a blaze engulfed an outbuilding, according to witnesses. Portswood Avenue resident Dhaveena Rajathevan, 21, said: "The emergency services wrapped the man up and sat him down. He looked in distress. He had a t-shirt on which was burned at the front and his chest was burned."He had soot all over his face.”
The fire tore through the outbuilding at around 8pm leaving it "completely destroyed". Three engines were sent to tackle the fire which engulfed the brick-made outbuilding and left it "100 per cent damaged". Crews from St Mary's and Eastleigh Fire Stations were on the scene after an emergency call was made just before 8pm. Portswood Road was closed at its junction with Portswood Avenue and police attended the incident. Five breathing apparatus, two jet pumps, three hose reels and an aerial ladder platform were all used to put out the fire. The stop message came in at 9.50pm. Investigations are underway to find the cause of the fire.
A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 7.59pm yesterday (June 17) to reports of a fire at a premises on Portswood Avenue, Southampton. Police attended to assist with a road closure to allow HFRS to get the fire under control. A 46-year-old man from Southampton was injured in the fire and taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment. His injuries are serious but not life-threatening. A fire investigation officer will be attending the scene this morning to examine the source of the fire. At this time it is not being treated as suspicious, but this is pending the results from the examination this morning."
The fire was in an outbuilding was to the side of a late 19th century, Grade II listed villa, known as Swiss Cottage.
News Source: Daily Echo
Entry Name: Swiss Cottage
Listing Date: 8 October 1981 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1091997 English Heritage Legacy ID: 135895 Location: Southampton, SO17 County: City of Southampton Electoral Ward/Division: Portswood Built-Up Area: Southampton Traditional County: Hampshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Hampshire Church of England Parish: Southampton St Barnabas Church of England Diocese: Winchester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.9234 / 50°55'24"N Longitude: -1.3947 / 1°23'40"W OS Eastings: 442642 OS Northings: 113947 OS Grid: SU426139 Mapcode National: GBR RS0.57 Mapcode Global: FRA 76ZN.LH0 Plus Code: 9C2WWJF4+94 |
15 June 2020 (18:20) - Scene of devastation after Bathroom Studio fire
Firefighters have warned how a building was in danger of structural collapse after a major blaze ripped through it Firefighters spent four hours dealing with the fire at Modern Homes Bathroom Studio in Norton on Monday, with Norton High Street closed off as they tackled the flames. The roof has been totally destroyed, with charred pieces of debris scattered all over the pavement. The fire service said there was a real danger of "structural collapse". It is understood that nobody was hurt.
A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said five engines attended, with 50% of the first floor damaged by fire and 100% water damaged to the ground floor. Firefighters came away at around 10pm. The spokesperson added that the cause has yet to be determined but early indications are it was "accidental".
Dark grey smoke could be seen billowing out from the top of the building on Monday evening at around 6.30pm as police taped the road off. Firefighters from Hartlepool, Saltburn, Stockton and Thornaby attended the blaze and used four breathing apparatus during the four hour operation. Its Combined Aerial Rescue Platform was used to tackle the flames. A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 6:25pm and officers attended to help keep the area clear whilst Cleveland Fire Brigade colleagues dealt with the fire."
A witness said: "When I first turned up there were three fire engines with more arriving. Another fire appliance was running around the back trying to get access to the property.They have been smashing roof tiles off and then the when the flames come up putting water straight on to it." Another commented “Oh no another decent old building gone and sad for owners.”
Although unlisted, this building dates back to at least the Victorian era and is shown on the 1857 OS map of the area. It lies within the Norton Conservation Area.
News Source: Teeside Live
A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said five engines attended, with 50% of the first floor damaged by fire and 100% water damaged to the ground floor. Firefighters came away at around 10pm. The spokesperson added that the cause has yet to be determined but early indications are it was "accidental".
Dark grey smoke could be seen billowing out from the top of the building on Monday evening at around 6.30pm as police taped the road off. Firefighters from Hartlepool, Saltburn, Stockton and Thornaby attended the blaze and used four breathing apparatus during the four hour operation. Its Combined Aerial Rescue Platform was used to tackle the flames. A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 6:25pm and officers attended to help keep the area clear whilst Cleveland Fire Brigade colleagues dealt with the fire."
A witness said: "When I first turned up there were three fire engines with more arriving. Another fire appliance was running around the back trying to get access to the property.They have been smashing roof tiles off and then the when the flames come up putting water straight on to it." Another commented “Oh no another decent old building gone and sad for owners.”
Although unlisted, this building dates back to at least the Victorian era and is shown on the 1857 OS map of the area. It lies within the Norton Conservation Area.
News Source: Teeside Live
Near Miss
14 June 2020 (22:17) - Blaze breaks out at Merseyside pub as police called to reports of antisocial behaviour
14 June 2020 (22:17) - Blaze breaks out at Merseyside pub as police called to reports of antisocial behaviour
At 10.17pm, the fire service received reports of a second fire at the Victoria Hotel on Warrington Road, Rainhill. They arrived within minutes and a hose reel jet was used to extinguish the flames, which started inside an industrial bin. Photos at the scene show smoke billowing from behind the back of the Victoria Hotel. No damage was caused to the building.
Victoria Hotel was originally known as The Rainhill Tavern and dates back to before 1824. It is one of the “key buildings” in Rainhill both in its history setting and location. It is a dominant structure in the Rainhill Conservation Area and a landmark building along Warrington Road.
News Source: Liverpool Echo
Victoria Hotel was originally known as The Rainhill Tavern and dates back to before 1824. It is one of the “key buildings” in Rainhill both in its history setting and location. It is a dominant structure in the Rainhill Conservation Area and a landmark building along Warrington Road.
News Source: Liverpool Echo
Near Miss
14 June 2020 (19:30) - Fire in York city centre street
14 June 2020 (19:30) - Fire in York city centre street
Firefighters were called out to a street in York city centre last night. Crews from Acomb responded to reports of a blaze in Castlegate near the Coppergate Centre at about 7.30pm, and on arrival found rubbish alight which was quickly put out.
There are a number of Grade II listed buildings near the Castlegate / Coppergate junction. The area also lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area.
News Source: The York Press
There are a number of Grade II listed buildings near the Castlegate / Coppergate junction. The area also lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area.
News Source: The York Press
14 June 2020 (09:53) - Firefighters tackle blaze at Trinity United Reform Church in Whitley Bay
Firefighters were called out to the Trinity United Reform Church at 9.53am on Sunday. Smoke could be seen coming from the side of the building. The fire service said no-one has been injured. A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Crews were sent to Trinity United Reform Church in Whitley Bay at 9.53am and arrived on scene at 9.58am. We have five firefighter appliances, one command unit and two officers in attendance. The fire is still ongoing but it is under control”.
A Whitley Bay councillor has called for urgent action to be taken over the derelict church after it caught fire for the second time in three years. Councillor John O'Shea, who represents Whitley Bay, has renewed his calls for the structure to be demolished, saying it could result in deaths if allowed to remain standing. He said: "I have been pressing for a couple of years for this building to be demolished. It's so unsightly and dangerous and it clearly needs to be sorted out before there are any fatalities. The council needs to press on and go to court as quickly as possible to get the owners to demolish the building and make it safe. I would urge the property owner to look again at this and look towards getting it demolished."
The church, which opened on the 25th November 1900, has been vacant since May 2017 when the building was ravaged by another fire. North Tyneside Council said its staff have inspected the building following the latest fire. The authority is also in the process of taking legal action against the owner, but this has been appealed.
Phil Scott, head of environment, housing and leisure at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are aware of a fire at the disused Trinity Church, in Whitley Bay, and we have council staff on site to assess the damage and make sure the structure is safe. The council issued a notice last year under S79 of the Building Act asking the owners to improve the appearance of the building or, if they choose to do so, have it demolished. An appeal against this notice was lodged but has not yet been heard by the Magistrates’ Court because of Covid-19. We share residents’ frustrations with this site and we desperately want to see it improved. Unfortunately, we can take no further action until this appeal has been heard.”
Plans have been submitted to North Tyneside Council to demolish the Trinity United Reform Church and replace it with 28 flats and apartments. Documents submitted as part of the application said the fenced-off building is "structurally unsound" and has become blighted by vandalism. A decision has yet to be made on the application.
News Source: Chronicle Live
A Whitley Bay councillor has called for urgent action to be taken over the derelict church after it caught fire for the second time in three years. Councillor John O'Shea, who represents Whitley Bay, has renewed his calls for the structure to be demolished, saying it could result in deaths if allowed to remain standing. He said: "I have been pressing for a couple of years for this building to be demolished. It's so unsightly and dangerous and it clearly needs to be sorted out before there are any fatalities. The council needs to press on and go to court as quickly as possible to get the owners to demolish the building and make it safe. I would urge the property owner to look again at this and look towards getting it demolished."
The church, which opened on the 25th November 1900, has been vacant since May 2017 when the building was ravaged by another fire. North Tyneside Council said its staff have inspected the building following the latest fire. The authority is also in the process of taking legal action against the owner, but this has been appealed.
Phil Scott, head of environment, housing and leisure at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are aware of a fire at the disused Trinity Church, in Whitley Bay, and we have council staff on site to assess the damage and make sure the structure is safe. The council issued a notice last year under S79 of the Building Act asking the owners to improve the appearance of the building or, if they choose to do so, have it demolished. An appeal against this notice was lodged but has not yet been heard by the Magistrates’ Court because of Covid-19. We share residents’ frustrations with this site and we desperately want to see it improved. Unfortunately, we can take no further action until this appeal has been heard.”
Plans have been submitted to North Tyneside Council to demolish the Trinity United Reform Church and replace it with 28 flats and apartments. Documents submitted as part of the application said the fenced-off building is "structurally unsound" and has become blighted by vandalism. A decision has yet to be made on the application.
News Source: Chronicle Live
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
On 18th May 1894 a plot of land was purchased for the sum of £400 plus a further £37 for the provision of a main drain in the back lane and macadam in the Esplanade. A North Shields architect Henry Gibson was approached to draw up the plans for a Church and hall to be built on the site.
Sir George Barclay Bruce laid the memorial stone for the hall on 31st July 1895. His vision was to have a church in Whitley by the sea. The hall was opened for public worship on the 8th November 1895 at a cost of £1600. This was the beginning of the Whitley Presbyterian Church, starting with 55 members and 21 adherents.
The foundation stone for the Church was laid by Mr. Thomas Alexander of South Shields on the 25th April 1900 and was opened on the 25th November 1900 by Mrs. Barclay. In the 1930’s the membership reached it’s peak with some 900 members.
The Diamond Jubilee of the Church was celebrated with the renaming St. Cuthbert’s United Reformed Church. On 1st July 1975 the Church joined forces with the Park Avenue Congregational Church and was renamed finally Trinity United Reformed Church and became part of the group of the Coast Group of Churches."
The church was closed in 2008, though the adjacent church hall continued to be used. The church building and Church Hall were destroyed by fire on the 6th May, 2017.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
On 18th May 1894 a plot of land was purchased for the sum of £400 plus a further £37 for the provision of a main drain in the back lane and macadam in the Esplanade. A North Shields architect Henry Gibson was approached to draw up the plans for a Church and hall to be built on the site.
Sir George Barclay Bruce laid the memorial stone for the hall on 31st July 1895. His vision was to have a church in Whitley by the sea. The hall was opened for public worship on the 8th November 1895 at a cost of £1600. This was the beginning of the Whitley Presbyterian Church, starting with 55 members and 21 adherents.
The foundation stone for the Church was laid by Mr. Thomas Alexander of South Shields on the 25th April 1900 and was opened on the 25th November 1900 by Mrs. Barclay. In the 1930’s the membership reached it’s peak with some 900 members.
The Diamond Jubilee of the Church was celebrated with the renaming St. Cuthbert’s United Reformed Church. On 1st July 1975 the Church joined forces with the Park Avenue Congregational Church and was renamed finally Trinity United Reformed Church and became part of the group of the Coast Group of Churches."
The church was closed in 2008, though the adjacent church hall continued to be used. The church building and Church Hall were destroyed by fire on the 6th May, 2017.
13 June 2020 (22:00*) - Fire crews called to East Northants farm blaze
Several fire crews were called to a picturesque East Northants village last night (Saturday) after a blaze at a farm house. Crews from White Watch Corby were supported by six other Northamptonshire appliances, a water bowser from Leicestershire and paramedics after the fire took hold in Sudborough. Corby Fire Station said the incident commander deployed a number of hose reel jets to the building's exterior to stop it from spreading to the attached home. A spokesman for the station said: "Due to the hard work of the fire crews the incident was closed within a few hours. Thankfully no-one was in the property at the time."
The incident was at Catshead Farm, formerly known by the name Catshead / Cat’s Head Lodge. It is not known when it was built, but it is shown on the 1884 OS map.
News Source: Northamptonshire Telegraph
The incident was at Catshead Farm, formerly known by the name Catshead / Cat’s Head Lodge. It is not known when it was built, but it is shown on the 1884 OS map.
News Source: Northamptonshire Telegraph
13 June 2020 (20:35) - 'Suspected lightning strike' sparks Bourne End house fire
A 'suspected lightning strike' caused a house fire in Bourne End last night (Saturday). Two crews from High Wycombe, and one each from Beaconsfield and Maidenhead, and a fire officer, attended the house in Marlow Road at about 8.35pm. The fire had affected the roof space of a two-storey, semi-detached barn conversion following the suspected strike to a weather vane on top of the building. Firefighters spent three hours and used two hose reels, two sets of breathing apparatus, a turntable ladder and a 13.5-metre ladder to tackle the fire. Crews carried out a reinspection at 3am this morning (Sunday). Bucks Fire and Rescue confirmed that there were no injuries, but it is believed the house was seriously damaged.
The converted 17th century barn is Grade II listed and is located at Well End Farm.
News Source: Maidenhead Advertiser
The converted 17th century barn is Grade II listed and is located at Well End Farm.
News Source: Maidenhead Advertiser
Entry Name: Barn to North West of Well End Farmhouse
Listing Date: 21 June 1955 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1125576 English Heritage Legacy ID: 46979 Location: Little Marlow, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, SL8 County: Buckinghamshire District: Wycombe Civil Parish: Little Marlow Built-Up Area: High Wycombe Traditional County: Buckinghamshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Buckinghamshire Church of England Parish: Great Marlow with Marlow Bottom, Little Marlow and Bisham Church of England Diocese: Oxford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.5846 / 51°35'4"N Longitude: -0.7213 / 0°43'16"W OS Eastings: 488692 OS Northings: 188074 OS Grid: SU886880 Mapcode National: GBR D5R.QGD Mapcode Global: VHDWC.GF1M Plus Code: 9C3XH7MH+RF |
13 June 2020 (16:55*) - Firefighters attending blaze at former farmhouse in Aviemore
Firefighters are currently at the scene of a small blaze at the derelict Dalfaber farmhouse in Aviemore. Two appliances are in attendance at the fire which was reported to the Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service just before 5pm. No flames could be seen coming from the old farm building by the Macdonald Spey Valley Golf Club clubhouse and first tee. There was smoke coming from the property and a ladder at a first floor window used by firefighters to access the building which is all bricked up.
An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said he could smell smoke earlier in the afternoon and later raised the alarm with the fire service. He said that the fire crews arrived within a few minutes at the scene and entered the property. No-one was injured and there appeared to be no damage to the exterior of the building. It is thought at this stage that items including wood and glass in the farmhouse may have smouldered and ignited but no official cause of the blaze has been given.
The 19th-century farmhouse has been empty for many years. It had been proposed at one time to be the clubhouse for the championship 18 hole golf course - recently voted one of the best golf courses in Scotland - but instead the bar, dining facilities and golf shop were put into the neighbouring Dalfaber Steading.
There is planning permission for housing in the nearby Dalfaber woods which was eventually approved despite a legal battle launched by local residents to save the popular beauty spot which went to the Court of Session, Scotland's supreme civil court. The go-ahead was given for the housing more than 13 years after first being proposed. Work has yet to start on the homes. As part of the permission, Dalfaber Farmhouse is to be restored.
News Source: Strathspey and Badenoch Herald
An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said he could smell smoke earlier in the afternoon and later raised the alarm with the fire service. He said that the fire crews arrived within a few minutes at the scene and entered the property. No-one was injured and there appeared to be no damage to the exterior of the building. It is thought at this stage that items including wood and glass in the farmhouse may have smouldered and ignited but no official cause of the blaze has been given.
The 19th-century farmhouse has been empty for many years. It had been proposed at one time to be the clubhouse for the championship 18 hole golf course - recently voted one of the best golf courses in Scotland - but instead the bar, dining facilities and golf shop were put into the neighbouring Dalfaber Steading.
There is planning permission for housing in the nearby Dalfaber woods which was eventually approved despite a legal battle launched by local residents to save the popular beauty spot which went to the Court of Session, Scotland's supreme civil court. The go-ahead was given for the housing more than 13 years after first being proposed. Work has yet to start on the homes. As part of the permission, Dalfaber Farmhouse is to be restored.
News Source: Strathspey and Badenoch Herald
12 June 2020 (16:20) - 25 firefighters battle major blaze at derelict house in central Trowbridge
25 firefighters have worked to extinguish a major blaze at a derelict house in Trowbridge. Four fire crews could be seen battling the significant building fire in Stallard Street at 5pm, but are thought to have been called to the scene at around 4.20pm this afternoon. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent engines from Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury and Warminster. An aerial appliance from Salisbury was also supporting local crews.
Locals say drug users have in the past inhabited the former Bowyers site, and youths are often seen entering to explore or hang around in the building. The fire service has confirmed nobody was inside or injured in the incident. The cause of the blaze is not yet known. A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service commented: “Eight breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and one main jet was used to extinguish the fire and make the derelict building safe.”
The mid 19th century semi-detached house is Grade II listed.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
Locals say drug users have in the past inhabited the former Bowyers site, and youths are often seen entering to explore or hang around in the building. The fire service has confirmed nobody was inside or injured in the incident. The cause of the blaze is not yet known. A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service commented: “Eight breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and one main jet was used to extinguish the fire and make the derelict building safe.”
The mid 19th century semi-detached house is Grade II listed.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
Entry Name: 7 and 8, Stallard Street
Listing Date: 26 November 1976 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1198597 English Heritage Legacy ID: 314141 Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Trowbridge Built-Up Area: Trowbridge Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire Church of England Parish: Trowbridge St James Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.32 / 51°19'12"N Longitude: -2.2129 / 2°12'46"W OS Eastings: 385260 OS Northings: 157902 OS Grid: ST852579 Mapcode National: GBR 1SS.5BW Mapcode Global: VH972.L2HW Plus Code: 9C3V8QCP+2R |
12 June 2020 (12:33) - Fire rips through building at historic school
Six fire engines were called to the Stamford Endowed Schools site in St Pauls Street, at 12.33pm, as a blaze ripped through a historic building. This includes five appliances from Lincolnshire - Stamford, Grantham, Market Deeping, Bourne and Boston, and an appliance from Leicestershire. The roof of the Principal’s House has been destroyed. Smoke has been seen across the town throughout the afternoon.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's Mark Housam, incident commander, said tonight: "We have had eight fire appliances, two special appliances and approximately 50 firefighting personnel attend the residential part of the school where a severe fire has affected the second floor and loft space.”
On the school’s Twitter account, a spokesman said: “We can confirm there is a fire on the Stamford School site. We are extremely thankful that all have been evacuated safely from the building.” St Paul’s Street is currently closed, and residents were advised to close windows while crews worked at the scene. By 5.30pm the incident was being scaled down to four appliances. Crews were continuing to dampen down.
Stamford Endowed Schools later released the following statement: “We are shocked and devastated by the serious fire on the Stamford School site this afternoon. Everyone on site was evacuated immediately and we are immensely thankful that no-one was hurt. The fire started on an upper floor of the Principal’s house and took hold very quickly. We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their swift actions this afternoon, which helped to contain the fire and prevented it from doing even more damage. It will take some time to establish the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage, but we will be in touch with our community with further information once more details are known. Provision for Year 10 and 12 pupils who are returning to School on Monday is unaffected. Our sincere thanks to everyone in our community who offered their help and support during the fire.”
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been caused by a ‘mains electrical fault in the loft space,’ while a spokesman for Stamford School said the fault was most likely caused by a mouse chewing through wires.
Stamford School was founded in 1532 by local merchant and Alderman William Radcliffe and became a Chantry School. Although surrounded by listed buildings, the 19th Century Principal’s house is unlisted but is considered to be a “Positive Building” in the Stanford Conservation Area (the first Conservation Area in the British Isles).
News Source: Lincolnshire Live
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's Mark Housam, incident commander, said tonight: "We have had eight fire appliances, two special appliances and approximately 50 firefighting personnel attend the residential part of the school where a severe fire has affected the second floor and loft space.”
On the school’s Twitter account, a spokesman said: “We can confirm there is a fire on the Stamford School site. We are extremely thankful that all have been evacuated safely from the building.” St Paul’s Street is currently closed, and residents were advised to close windows while crews worked at the scene. By 5.30pm the incident was being scaled down to four appliances. Crews were continuing to dampen down.
Stamford Endowed Schools later released the following statement: “We are shocked and devastated by the serious fire on the Stamford School site this afternoon. Everyone on site was evacuated immediately and we are immensely thankful that no-one was hurt. The fire started on an upper floor of the Principal’s house and took hold very quickly. We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their swift actions this afternoon, which helped to contain the fire and prevented it from doing even more damage. It will take some time to establish the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage, but we will be in touch with our community with further information once more details are known. Provision for Year 10 and 12 pupils who are returning to School on Monday is unaffected. Our sincere thanks to everyone in our community who offered their help and support during the fire.”
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been caused by a ‘mains electrical fault in the loft space,’ while a spokesman for Stamford School said the fault was most likely caused by a mouse chewing through wires.
Stamford School was founded in 1532 by local merchant and Alderman William Radcliffe and became a Chantry School. Although surrounded by listed buildings, the 19th Century Principal’s house is unlisted but is considered to be a “Positive Building” in the Stanford Conservation Area (the first Conservation Area in the British Isles).
News Source: Lincolnshire Live
11 June 2020 (19:45) - Fire devastates historic building used for filming of TV show Stella
A historic 105-year-old building has been devastated by a fire on a main shopping high street. A fire took over a large part of the building on Dunraven Street in Tonypandy on Thursday evening, with six fire crews being sent to the incident. On Friday morning, a large section of the shopping area around the building remained closed off and drivers were unable to access the shopping street as they usually can. Officers from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were still in attendance and were joined by workers from Wales and West Utilities, Welsh Water and council officers.
A spokesman from Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it is currently making contact with the owners of the property in order to progress with ensuring the structural safety of the building. They added there will be council officers and others present in the area over the next few days. There appears to be minimal damage done to the bottom floor shop units, however the top two floors including the roof appear to be completely destroyed. It was built in 1915 and has always been home to shops and flats, but has not been occupied for a number of months.
Local residents shopping in the streets stopped and commented how sad it was to see the historic building, which did not have listed status, be destroyed in this way.According to local residents Stuart Kear and Phillip Mainwarring, one of the commercial properties was used for the filming of TV show Stella several years ago. The shop front which used to be home to Tonypandy Carpets, still has signage up saying "Pontyberry Carpets", Pontyberry being the fictional town where Stella is set. The shop used to film the undertakers in Stella was most recently occupied by Church Road Confectionary but according to the two men it has been closed. Other shops that used to be at home in the building include The Dharmakala shop, which used to sell women's clothing and trinkets, The Little Home Shop, which closed in recent months, and Tonypandy Carpets which moved a few doors up.
The building was once home to the Tonypandy Businessmen's Club, which according to Mr Kear, who was chairman at the club for a number of years, ran from 1918 until 2006. He said: "This building is one on its own and the whole thing was owned by one family years ago. The snooker table from the Businessmen's Club was still in there as far as we know." Mr Mainwarring, a retired gas engineer, said he once worked in the flats many years ago. I don't believe anyone has been living there for a number of years," he said.
Living a few streets away from the high street, Mr Kear said he could see the fire billowing through the evening on Thursday. He described it as "really bad", adding: "I went to bed around 11pm last night and I could see water jets still going on both sides of the building." Both men said it was a shame to see the building destroyed in this way.
Labour councillor for Tonypandy and Trealaw, Gareth Wyn Hughes, said: "It is sad to see a building end its life in that way and certainly the last thing you would want to do is lose a historic building like that. But the main thing now is to get it to a point of safety that we know it is safe for people to walk up and down the street. The council will work with all the authorities necessary to make the building safe. Then there will need to be an action plan as to what happens moving forward as no one wants a half burnt out building to be left."
A spokeswoman from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service released a further update on Friday, saying fire service crews remained at the scene as a safety precation. The spokeswoman said: "Yesterday evening [Thursday], approximately 7.45pm, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire at a property in Dunraven Street in Tonypandy. Multiple crews attended the scene and were faced with a well-developed fire within a three-storey premises. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire using a range of specialist equipment including water jets and bowsers, an aerial ladder platform and breathing apparatus. The fire has now been brought under control but fire service crews remain at the scene as a safety precaution. Work continues to ensure the premises is made safe and a fire investigation will now take place to ascertain the cause of the fire."
A spokesman for RCT council said: “Following the significant fire which took place in Tonypandy town centre, the council is taking the necessary steps to maintain public safety around this location. As a result, Dunraven Street remains closed to traffic. South Wales Police and the council are currently making contact with the owners of this property, to progress measures to ensure the structural safety of this building. For this reason, residents are advised that there will continue to be activity at this location over the coming days.”
News Source: Wales Online
A spokesman from Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it is currently making contact with the owners of the property in order to progress with ensuring the structural safety of the building. They added there will be council officers and others present in the area over the next few days. There appears to be minimal damage done to the bottom floor shop units, however the top two floors including the roof appear to be completely destroyed. It was built in 1915 and has always been home to shops and flats, but has not been occupied for a number of months.
Local residents shopping in the streets stopped and commented how sad it was to see the historic building, which did not have listed status, be destroyed in this way.According to local residents Stuart Kear and Phillip Mainwarring, one of the commercial properties was used for the filming of TV show Stella several years ago. The shop front which used to be home to Tonypandy Carpets, still has signage up saying "Pontyberry Carpets", Pontyberry being the fictional town where Stella is set. The shop used to film the undertakers in Stella was most recently occupied by Church Road Confectionary but according to the two men it has been closed. Other shops that used to be at home in the building include The Dharmakala shop, which used to sell women's clothing and trinkets, The Little Home Shop, which closed in recent months, and Tonypandy Carpets which moved a few doors up.
The building was once home to the Tonypandy Businessmen's Club, which according to Mr Kear, who was chairman at the club for a number of years, ran from 1918 until 2006. He said: "This building is one on its own and the whole thing was owned by one family years ago. The snooker table from the Businessmen's Club was still in there as far as we know." Mr Mainwarring, a retired gas engineer, said he once worked in the flats many years ago. I don't believe anyone has been living there for a number of years," he said.
Living a few streets away from the high street, Mr Kear said he could see the fire billowing through the evening on Thursday. He described it as "really bad", adding: "I went to bed around 11pm last night and I could see water jets still going on both sides of the building." Both men said it was a shame to see the building destroyed in this way.
Labour councillor for Tonypandy and Trealaw, Gareth Wyn Hughes, said: "It is sad to see a building end its life in that way and certainly the last thing you would want to do is lose a historic building like that. But the main thing now is to get it to a point of safety that we know it is safe for people to walk up and down the street. The council will work with all the authorities necessary to make the building safe. Then there will need to be an action plan as to what happens moving forward as no one wants a half burnt out building to be left."
A spokeswoman from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service released a further update on Friday, saying fire service crews remained at the scene as a safety precation. The spokeswoman said: "Yesterday evening [Thursday], approximately 7.45pm, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire at a property in Dunraven Street in Tonypandy. Multiple crews attended the scene and were faced with a well-developed fire within a three-storey premises. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire using a range of specialist equipment including water jets and bowsers, an aerial ladder platform and breathing apparatus. The fire has now been brought under control but fire service crews remain at the scene as a safety precaution. Work continues to ensure the premises is made safe and a fire investigation will now take place to ascertain the cause of the fire."
A spokesman for RCT council said: “Following the significant fire which took place in Tonypandy town centre, the council is taking the necessary steps to maintain public safety around this location. As a result, Dunraven Street remains closed to traffic. South Wales Police and the council are currently making contact with the owners of this property, to progress measures to ensure the structural safety of this building. For this reason, residents are advised that there will continue to be activity at this location over the coming days.”
News Source: Wales Online
10 June 2020 (14:30*) - Fire crews battling huge Esher blaze as residents left temporarily homeless.
A large fire has broken out at a Tudor-style apartment building in Esher, near Elmbridge, Surrey, with video footage showing its roof well alight on Wednesday (June 10). The incident has happened at a property known as Queen’s Close in Lammas Lane, and a video taken at around 2.45pm shows orange flames tearing through the roof and smoke billowing into the air. Surrey Police officers are at the scene and have enforced a 100-metre cordon, as well as surrounding road closures.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the blaze is past its peak but crews are expected to remain at the scene throughout the night. SFRS sent 12 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers to the scene.At 2.52pm, fire crews rescued an occupant from the fire and at around 5.45pm SFRS confirmed that all residents had been accounted for.In an update on Twitter, SFRS said: "Firefighting continues and we expect to be in attendance throughout the night - Lammas Lane will remain closed. We are assessing resources required."
Elmbridge Borough Council has officers at the site supporting residents. Many of whom will be displaced due to the fire damage. Councillor for the Esher ward, David Archer, is a resident at the apartment block. He was in the Civic Centre at the time, but got a call to say the building was on fire. Cllr Archer said: "The fire has gone right through the roof space. Fire engines from as far as East Sussex attended, ambulance and police too. The building is completely wrecked. Nobody knows how it got started. I was in the Civic Centre when it happened. But I live in one of the middle apartments. There were thousands of gallons of water [applied], anything that did survive will be completely flooded. Nobody will be going back in there for some time. I rushed back and that was it, I just saw the devastation."
Nick Ayliffe, who does architectural photography at Skyshot Global Ltd, was in the area when the fire broke out. He captured overhead photographs of the blaze with a drone. The blaze appears to have caused extensive damage to the block.
Update 11 June: The fire had passed its peak at around 5.45pm. Damping down began around 11.05pm and then continued throughout the night. At around 11.30am, a SFRS spokesperson said crews had left the scene, a stop message was issued at 9.45am. A SFRS spokesperson wrote on Twitter: "Overnight the resources at the Lammas Lane incident in Esher were downscaled. We currently have two fire engines and one aerial vehicle in attendance. The roof, second and third floor are heavily damaged by fire. Fire safety and fire investigations are taking place today."
Councillor David Archer, for the Esher ward, has lived in one of the Queens Close apartments for 20 years and is coming to terms with what he and fellow residents have lost. Cllr Archer said: "I've lost a lot. I've woken up this morning and all I've got is what I was standing up in yesterday. People have lived there for years. [There were] tears, emotions were very raw, lots of crying. It's a tragedy. It [the building] just looks like a shell. Three quarters of the roof have gone, it is a big roof. It brings tears to your eyes. Quite unbelievable, people have lost cars that were parked nearby too." Cllr Archer estimated around 30 to 40 residents have been left temporarily homeless due to the fire. The block contained 25 apartments, he said.
Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) officers were on the site on Wednesday afternoon, offering help to those displaced and temporary accommodation. An EBC spokesperson said: "Seven households were accommodated locally." In spite of the devastation, Cllr Archer said the community spirit has been overwhelming. On Wednesday night, he stayed in The Albert Arms in the high street which has been offering free accommodation to those in need. CuVée V11, a restaurant in Church Street, sent around burgers and fish and chips to displaced residents too. Cllr Archer said: "We've had offers from other residents in flats and houses offering space for us. I have 60 messages of offers of help. It is amazing how it has brought the community together."
Cllr Archer said: "[The apartment block] is completely iconic. It was a lovely characterful block, full of really interesting people." He said it would be "some time" before residents can return to see the damage done because of concerns over the structural safety of the building. "The roofs were timber, and they are all burnt out leaving the chimneys and the staircase walls. They are now all insecure. There is very serious damage in my opinion. [Risk of] the whole building collapsing, that's what the police were worried about yesterday, in terms of firefighter safety," he said.
Queens Close is described as a “Landmark building”, a “Focal building” and a “Significant unlisted building” in the Esher Conservation Area Appraisal document. It was built in the 1930s.
News Source: Surrey Live
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the blaze is past its peak but crews are expected to remain at the scene throughout the night. SFRS sent 12 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and two water carriers to the scene.At 2.52pm, fire crews rescued an occupant from the fire and at around 5.45pm SFRS confirmed that all residents had been accounted for.In an update on Twitter, SFRS said: "Firefighting continues and we expect to be in attendance throughout the night - Lammas Lane will remain closed. We are assessing resources required."
Elmbridge Borough Council has officers at the site supporting residents. Many of whom will be displaced due to the fire damage. Councillor for the Esher ward, David Archer, is a resident at the apartment block. He was in the Civic Centre at the time, but got a call to say the building was on fire. Cllr Archer said: "The fire has gone right through the roof space. Fire engines from as far as East Sussex attended, ambulance and police too. The building is completely wrecked. Nobody knows how it got started. I was in the Civic Centre when it happened. But I live in one of the middle apartments. There were thousands of gallons of water [applied], anything that did survive will be completely flooded. Nobody will be going back in there for some time. I rushed back and that was it, I just saw the devastation."
Nick Ayliffe, who does architectural photography at Skyshot Global Ltd, was in the area when the fire broke out. He captured overhead photographs of the blaze with a drone. The blaze appears to have caused extensive damage to the block.
Update 11 June: The fire had passed its peak at around 5.45pm. Damping down began around 11.05pm and then continued throughout the night. At around 11.30am, a SFRS spokesperson said crews had left the scene, a stop message was issued at 9.45am. A SFRS spokesperson wrote on Twitter: "Overnight the resources at the Lammas Lane incident in Esher were downscaled. We currently have two fire engines and one aerial vehicle in attendance. The roof, second and third floor are heavily damaged by fire. Fire safety and fire investigations are taking place today."
Councillor David Archer, for the Esher ward, has lived in one of the Queens Close apartments for 20 years and is coming to terms with what he and fellow residents have lost. Cllr Archer said: "I've lost a lot. I've woken up this morning and all I've got is what I was standing up in yesterday. People have lived there for years. [There were] tears, emotions were very raw, lots of crying. It's a tragedy. It [the building] just looks like a shell. Three quarters of the roof have gone, it is a big roof. It brings tears to your eyes. Quite unbelievable, people have lost cars that were parked nearby too." Cllr Archer estimated around 30 to 40 residents have been left temporarily homeless due to the fire. The block contained 25 apartments, he said.
Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) officers were on the site on Wednesday afternoon, offering help to those displaced and temporary accommodation. An EBC spokesperson said: "Seven households were accommodated locally." In spite of the devastation, Cllr Archer said the community spirit has been overwhelming. On Wednesday night, he stayed in The Albert Arms in the high street which has been offering free accommodation to those in need. CuVée V11, a restaurant in Church Street, sent around burgers and fish and chips to displaced residents too. Cllr Archer said: "We've had offers from other residents in flats and houses offering space for us. I have 60 messages of offers of help. It is amazing how it has brought the community together."
Cllr Archer said: "[The apartment block] is completely iconic. It was a lovely characterful block, full of really interesting people." He said it would be "some time" before residents can return to see the damage done because of concerns over the structural safety of the building. "The roofs were timber, and they are all burnt out leaving the chimneys and the staircase walls. They are now all insecure. There is very serious damage in my opinion. [Risk of] the whole building collapsing, that's what the police were worried about yesterday, in terms of firefighter safety," he said.
Queens Close is described as a “Landmark building”, a “Focal building” and a “Significant unlisted building” in the Esher Conservation Area Appraisal document. It was built in the 1930s.
News Source: Surrey Live
9 June 2020 (22:00*) - Cheltenham church doors burned to ash in firelighter-fuelled arson attack
An arson attack on a Cheltenham church has seen the doors 'burned into ash' and the building filled with smoke. The attack at St Andrew's Reformed Church in Montpellier Street is believed to have taken place at around 10pm last night (Tuesday June 9), but the fire was still burning at 9.10am on Wednesday when police were called. Now investigating officers are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which they believe was started when a box of firelighters was lit under the large oak doors which face on to Fauconberg Road.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses after an arson attack on a Cheltenham church. Police were called at 9.10am (Wednesday 10 June) to a report of an arson at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Montpellier Street. The Fire Service attended and believe that a box of firelighters was lit under the large oak doors which face onto Fauconberg Road and it is believed the attack took place at around 10pm last night (Tuesday). The doors smouldered through the night causing around one inch of the inside of both doors to burn into ash, and the main church to fill with smoke. Two outdoor lights on the same side of the building have also been scorched. Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anything suspicious in the area around the time to contact police on 101 quoting incident 104 of 10 June.
St Andrew's Reformed Church is Grade II listed and was built 1885-6.
News Source: Gloucestershire Live
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses after an arson attack on a Cheltenham church. Police were called at 9.10am (Wednesday 10 June) to a report of an arson at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Montpellier Street. The Fire Service attended and believe that a box of firelighters was lit under the large oak doors which face onto Fauconberg Road and it is believed the attack took place at around 10pm last night (Tuesday). The doors smouldered through the night causing around one inch of the inside of both doors to burn into ash, and the main church to fill with smoke. Two outdoor lights on the same side of the building have also been scorched. Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anything suspicious in the area around the time to contact police on 101 quoting incident 104 of 10 June.
St Andrew's Reformed Church is Grade II listed and was built 1885-6.
News Source: Gloucestershire Live
Entry Name: Church of St Andrew (United Reform) and Church Hall Adjoining
Listing Date: 14 December 1983 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1387324 English Heritage Legacy ID: 475279 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 County: Gloucestershire District: Cheltenham Town: Cheltenham Electoral Ward/Division: Lansdown Built-Up Area: Cheltenham Traditional County: Gloucestershire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Gloucestershire Church of England Parish: Cheltenham, St Mary with St Matthew Church of England Diocese: Gloucester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.8966 / 51°53'47"N Longitude: -2.0815 / 2°4'53"W OS Eastings: 394485 OS Northings: 222009 OS Grid: SO944220 Mapcode National: GBR 2MB.2JR Mapcode Global: VH947.VLYF Plus Code: 9C3VVWW9+J9 |
8 June 2020 (23:40) - Blaze at Maltby's Queens pub among seven overnight arson attacks
A Large fire at the Wetherspoon’s Queens Hotel pub in Maltby was among seven arson attacks in one night across Rotherham. Three fire crews attended the blaze at the Tickhill Road venue at about 11.40pm yesterday (Monday). It is believed the fire was started in an outside smoking area but spread to the inside of the pub. The crews were at the scene for about two hours.
A fire service spokesman said: “Deliberate fires tie up our crews and potentially slow their response down to genuine, life-threatening emergencies. We record each one and will be working closely with partners across the Rotherham district to try and stamp out these incidents. The public can help too, just by not leaving bins out overnight, not leaving bags of rubbish lying around outside and reporting suspicious activity, you can make a big difference.
This “landmark building” was opened in 1923 for use by Doncaster race-goers.
News Source: Rotherham Advertiser
A fire service spokesman said: “Deliberate fires tie up our crews and potentially slow their response down to genuine, life-threatening emergencies. We record each one and will be working closely with partners across the Rotherham district to try and stamp out these incidents. The public can help too, just by not leaving bins out overnight, not leaving bags of rubbish lying around outside and reporting suspicious activity, you can make a big difference.
This “landmark building” was opened in 1923 for use by Doncaster race-goers.
News Source: Rotherham Advertiser
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Queen’s Hotel is an unmissable building. The hotel was part of a chain built by John Smith’s Brewery for use by Doncaster race-goers. It opened in 1923, on an undeveloped site, away from the centre of the village, not long after the Maltby Colliery Disaster. It was a difficult time for the first licensees, the Farnsworths, and Othan V Pike took over in 1925. Mrs Pike died suddenly about 5 years later with appendicitis after not reaching the hospital in time, transport then being very different to what it is today.
Mr Pike was the landlord for 21 years, until his tragic death in January 1947. Pike never got over his wife's death and battled with depression for the rest of his life, which ended sadly when he got up one morning, filled the bath with water, slid under and drowned himself. When a nightclub was opened in the building in 2002, it was named "Mr Pike's" in his memory.
It was closed and boarded up for many years, and described as ‘a significant trouble spot’ in the Maltby Master Plan (drafted in 2007). The pub was refurbished and reopened in March 2012 by JD Wetherspoon.
There has been lengthy discussion on whether there should be an apostrophe in the name or not has only succeeded in us presuming that the queen in the name was Queen Mary and that the apostrophe has been added and omitted over the years, so there is no hard and fast rule in using it.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Queen’s Hotel is an unmissable building. The hotel was part of a chain built by John Smith’s Brewery for use by Doncaster race-goers. It opened in 1923, on an undeveloped site, away from the centre of the village, not long after the Maltby Colliery Disaster. It was a difficult time for the first licensees, the Farnsworths, and Othan V Pike took over in 1925. Mrs Pike died suddenly about 5 years later with appendicitis after not reaching the hospital in time, transport then being very different to what it is today.
Mr Pike was the landlord for 21 years, until his tragic death in January 1947. Pike never got over his wife's death and battled with depression for the rest of his life, which ended sadly when he got up one morning, filled the bath with water, slid under and drowned himself. When a nightclub was opened in the building in 2002, it was named "Mr Pike's" in his memory.
It was closed and boarded up for many years, and described as ‘a significant trouble spot’ in the Maltby Master Plan (drafted in 2007). The pub was refurbished and reopened in March 2012 by JD Wetherspoon.
There has been lengthy discussion on whether there should be an apostrophe in the name or not has only succeeded in us presuming that the queen in the name was Queen Mary and that the apostrophe has been added and omitted over the years, so there is no hard and fast rule in using it.
Near Miss
8 June 2020 (17:35) - Firefighters tackling a large hay fire at historic Ushaw College Farm
8 June 2020 (17:35) - Firefighters tackling a large hay fire at historic Ushaw College Farm
Firefighters are tackling a large fire involving up to 200 tonnes of hay at Ushaw College farm A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were alerted to a barn on fire at Ushaw College Farm, between Langley Park and Ushaw Moor, at about 5.35pm. Two appliances and a Tactical Response Vehicle (TRV) attended. Firefighters used hose reels, jets and Positive Pressure Ventilation to tackle the fire. At 9.40pm, 50 tons of hay was still alight and at 10.20pm a large quantity was still alight The fire was extinguished at 12.30am." The barn was extensively damaged by the fire.
The farm buildings at Ushaw College farm were once at the centre of the nearby Ushaw College Catholic seminary's farming activities. The farm was built in 1851-2 and remained in use by the college until 1972. After that, the site was let to a farm holding until 2002, since when the farm buildings have stood empty. The site was added to English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2013. There are four Grade II and one Grade II* listed buildings at the farm.
News Source: The Northern Echo
The farm buildings at Ushaw College farm were once at the centre of the nearby Ushaw College Catholic seminary's farming activities. The farm was built in 1851-2 and remained in use by the college until 1972. After that, the site was let to a farm holding until 2002, since when the farm buildings have stood empty. The site was added to English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2013. There are four Grade II and one Grade II* listed buildings at the farm.
News Source: The Northern Echo
Entry Name: Ushaw Home Farm Main Block and Wall Attached
Listing Date: 17 January 1967 Last Amended: 24 June 1987 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1185963 English Heritage Legacy ID: 350536 Location: Esh, County Durham, DH7 County: County Durham Civil Parish: Esh Traditional County: Durham Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): County Durham Church of England Parish: Esh and Hamsteels Church of England Diocese: Durham |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.787 / 54°47'13"N Longitude: -1.6677 / 1°40'3"W OS Eastings: 421467 OS Northings: 543616 OS Grid: NZ214436 Mapcode National: GBR JFS2.RS Mapcode Global: WHC4H.CY33 |
6 June 2020 (22:30*) - Abandoned Bangour Village trashed after hundreds queue to visit site
West Lothian locals have been left outraged after Bangour Village was apparently left 'trashed' after people broke in. Pictures show hundreds of cars queued outside of Bangour Village to get in as well as people online boasting about entering the abandoned property. Scores of revellers ignored lockdown rules to party at an illegal rave before smashing up and torching a disused hospital.Emergency services were called to the former hospital site in Bathgate, West Lothian, after reports that a blaze had started in the abandoned building around 10.30pm on Saturday. Locals said around 200 people had gathered for a rave in the nearby Bathgate hills before making their way down the hospital. One said: “It was set alight and smashed up. There was a huge police and fire response.” Another added: “They’ve destroyed the entire site. Every single window has been smashed, furniture thrown out of the windows, the church has been smashed to pieces and fires were set. There were literally queues to get into the buildings.”
For years people interested in Urban exploration have flocked to explore the outskirts of Bangour Village, an abandoned physiatric hospital which has rumours of being 'haunted' According to an online source, 'hundreds' of people showed up at once after details of how to enter the property were posted online. A post reportedly began gathering attention online from an account 'encouraging' people to show up at the abandoned hospital during lockdown "before it's gone." The post also said that it is "illegal" for security guards to refuse people entry and claimed they can tell people "how to get in" Pictures also show queues of cars outside the abandoned village and according to West Lothian locals the place was left 'trashed'
One local said: "So sad to hear that yet again people are destroying historic places. Last night people destroyed the village of Bangour." Another person said: "Bangour has been trashed." A third said: "We have been inundated with visitors to the hospital- the streets are full with cars day and night 4-5 passengers per car." Another online source claims that the place was "smashed" and "fires" were set inside.
Chief Inspector Alun Williams, area commander for West Lothian, said: "We are aware of reports about people entering the Bangour Hospital site and I would encourage people not to do this. There are derelict buildings on the site which aren't safe for visitors - potentially taking emergency services away from other duties, and there are parking issues and concerns affecting the local community. Our officers are patrolling the area and speaking with the owners and site security. Three people, aged 23, 23 and 24, were charged with vandalism at the site on Friday 5 June. A fire was reported on Saturday night which we responded to alongside the fire service. The regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home. We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading."
Bangour Village Psychiatric Hospital was formally opened on the 13th October 1906. There are many buildings on the site as it was built on the concept of a “Colony” to give patients a positive and pleasant village-like environment. There were opportunities to work in the grounds, in workshops, and on the neighbouring farm. The village even had its own kirk built between 1924 and 1930.
The last patients left in 2004, and in 2005 it was used as location for film The Jacket, starring Keira Knightley and Adrien Brody. Due to increased vandalism and graffiti, its owners NHS Lothian have been paying for 24/7 security at the site. The future of the building remains uncertain, after talks between a Birmingham-based Islamic trust, NHS Lothian and West Lothian Council of turning it into a residential university fell through in 2011.
There are 15 listed buildings within the area designated as Bangour Village Hospital Conservation Area – 3 x Category A; 2 x Category B and 10 x Category C. Several of the listed buildings could be demolished to make way for a new development. Applications were submitted in January to knock down parts of the hospital complex as hundreds of new houses and a school are planned for the area. A wing of the B-listed nurses' accommodation block has been earmarked for demolition, along with several C-listed villas around the site. Some locals have voiced concern at the loss of the buildings, saying they understood the listed facades would be retained as part of the development.
News Source: Edinburgh Live
For years people interested in Urban exploration have flocked to explore the outskirts of Bangour Village, an abandoned physiatric hospital which has rumours of being 'haunted' According to an online source, 'hundreds' of people showed up at once after details of how to enter the property were posted online. A post reportedly began gathering attention online from an account 'encouraging' people to show up at the abandoned hospital during lockdown "before it's gone." The post also said that it is "illegal" for security guards to refuse people entry and claimed they can tell people "how to get in" Pictures also show queues of cars outside the abandoned village and according to West Lothian locals the place was left 'trashed'
One local said: "So sad to hear that yet again people are destroying historic places. Last night people destroyed the village of Bangour." Another person said: "Bangour has been trashed." A third said: "We have been inundated with visitors to the hospital- the streets are full with cars day and night 4-5 passengers per car." Another online source claims that the place was "smashed" and "fires" were set inside.
Chief Inspector Alun Williams, area commander for West Lothian, said: "We are aware of reports about people entering the Bangour Hospital site and I would encourage people not to do this. There are derelict buildings on the site which aren't safe for visitors - potentially taking emergency services away from other duties, and there are parking issues and concerns affecting the local community. Our officers are patrolling the area and speaking with the owners and site security. Three people, aged 23, 23 and 24, were charged with vandalism at the site on Friday 5 June. A fire was reported on Saturday night which we responded to alongside the fire service. The regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home. We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading."
Bangour Village Psychiatric Hospital was formally opened on the 13th October 1906. There are many buildings on the site as it was built on the concept of a “Colony” to give patients a positive and pleasant village-like environment. There were opportunities to work in the grounds, in workshops, and on the neighbouring farm. The village even had its own kirk built between 1924 and 1930.
The last patients left in 2004, and in 2005 it was used as location for film The Jacket, starring Keira Knightley and Adrien Brody. Due to increased vandalism and graffiti, its owners NHS Lothian have been paying for 24/7 security at the site. The future of the building remains uncertain, after talks between a Birmingham-based Islamic trust, NHS Lothian and West Lothian Council of turning it into a residential university fell through in 2011.
There are 15 listed buildings within the area designated as Bangour Village Hospital Conservation Area – 3 x Category A; 2 x Category B and 10 x Category C. Several of the listed buildings could be demolished to make way for a new development. Applications were submitted in January to knock down parts of the hospital complex as hundreds of new houses and a school are planned for the area. A wing of the B-listed nurses' accommodation block has been earmarked for demolition, along with several C-listed villas around the site. Some locals have voiced concern at the loss of the buildings, saying they understood the listed facades would be retained as part of the development.
News Source: Edinburgh Live
Hospital History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Bangour Village Hospital has to be one of the most atmospheric places in Scotland: though at times the atmosphere is not entirely comfortable, and can border on distinctly spooky. Large numbers of very imposing and increasingly derelict buildings are dotted around an overgrown 960 acre site on a south facing slope, just to the north of the M8 motorway and the A89, and three miles north of the centre of Livingston.
Today this huge area is all but abandoned, and as you walk round the (reputedly) four miles of roads on the site, the only people you are likely to meet are dog walkers and the occasional white van on security patrol. Signs of decay are everywhere: but it was a sign of a different sort that left the deepest impression on us. One of the villas towards the south east corner of the site carries graffiti applied in red paint: "MY MUM PUT ME HERE!" What makes this so chilling is the knowledge that for a century this vast complex of buildings served as a mental hospital, and you cannot help but wonder about the human story behind the graffiti: and then realise that it was just one of many thousands of individual human stories that would have been played out here during the hospital's active life.
A villa in a mental hospital? In 1902 the Edinburgh District Lunacy Board purchased the 960 acre Bangour Estate. The aim was to build what for Scotland would be a new kind of mental hospital based on the "Continental Colony" system. This new system had been developed at Alt-Scherbitz, near Leipzig, which members of the Lunacy Board had visited in 1897. The aim was to give patients a positive and pleasant environment by building a series of widely spaced "villas" in which patients would be housed, with other buildings providing central services. Patients would receive a range of therapies, but were also expected to benefit from the rural setting and the opportunities to work in the grounds, in workshops, and on the neighbouring farm.
The competition the Board launched to design the hospital was won by Edinburgh-based architect Hippolyte Blanc, and many of the buildings you see on the site today are those he originally designed. Thirteen of the hospital's buildings are "Category A Listed", and so have the highest level of statutory protection: though this is of course protection from the hand of man, and not necessarily from the effects of the weather and the passage of time. Blanc's work at Bangour has been variously described as "Queen Anne" or "17th Century Scottish Renaissance" in style. He certainly succeeded in bringing a sense of architectural flair to the hospital, though in many ways the single unifying characteristic is just how different every building appears to be from every other building, even where the functions were the same. This at least allowed later buildings to be added to the hospital without looking out of place.
Bangour Village Hospital was formally opened on 13 October 1906 by the Rt Hon The Earl of Rosebery, Lord Lieutenant of Linlithgowshire, though the first patients were moved in during 1904 and up to 200 were in residence by the end of 1905. Among the most important elements of the hospital built to Blanc's designs were the imposing nurse's home and nearby hospital block in the site's north east corner, and most of the more than 30 villas. As each villa housed around 30 patients you get a clear idea of the size of the hospital in human terms.
One of the most striking buildings on the site is the Village Church. This was a later addition, built between 1924 and 1930 to a design by H. O. Tarbolton. It is said to be the largest church built in the Lothians outside Edinburgh during the 1900s and occupies a focal position from where it dominates the eastern half of the site. There is a certain irony in the inscription above the church door, visible beyond the securely padlocked metal screen preventing access to the doorway. This begins: "Friend, this house of God stands open for thee ever, that thou may enter, rest, think, kneel and pray..." Other later additions included some of the villas in the more exposed and less landscaped western end of the site: and the sports pavilion overlooking the extremely large sports ground.
Meanwhile one building is said to have moved location entirely during the hospital's life: a wooden structure near the centre of the village is reputed to have previously served elsewhere on the site as the hospital's railway station. A railway line had been built from Uphall Station to help with the construction of the hospital, and this continued to provide a passenger service until the end of World War One.
In the spring of 1915, the patients of Bangour Asylum were transferred to mental hospitals throughout Scotland in order to make room for a huge influx of wounded servicemen. A steady shuttle of trains delivered the victims of the war to the wards and public halls of Bangour. Once these were filled, marquees with a wooden floor and a single coal fire for heat, were pitched in the hospital grounds to house a further 700. At the height of the conflict, 3000 veteran patients were housed at Bangour, all hoping that the countryside setting would aid recovery to body and spirit.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Bangour Village Hospital has to be one of the most atmospheric places in Scotland: though at times the atmosphere is not entirely comfortable, and can border on distinctly spooky. Large numbers of very imposing and increasingly derelict buildings are dotted around an overgrown 960 acre site on a south facing slope, just to the north of the M8 motorway and the A89, and three miles north of the centre of Livingston.
Today this huge area is all but abandoned, and as you walk round the (reputedly) four miles of roads on the site, the only people you are likely to meet are dog walkers and the occasional white van on security patrol. Signs of decay are everywhere: but it was a sign of a different sort that left the deepest impression on us. One of the villas towards the south east corner of the site carries graffiti applied in red paint: "MY MUM PUT ME HERE!" What makes this so chilling is the knowledge that for a century this vast complex of buildings served as a mental hospital, and you cannot help but wonder about the human story behind the graffiti: and then realise that it was just one of many thousands of individual human stories that would have been played out here during the hospital's active life.
A villa in a mental hospital? In 1902 the Edinburgh District Lunacy Board purchased the 960 acre Bangour Estate. The aim was to build what for Scotland would be a new kind of mental hospital based on the "Continental Colony" system. This new system had been developed at Alt-Scherbitz, near Leipzig, which members of the Lunacy Board had visited in 1897. The aim was to give patients a positive and pleasant environment by building a series of widely spaced "villas" in which patients would be housed, with other buildings providing central services. Patients would receive a range of therapies, but were also expected to benefit from the rural setting and the opportunities to work in the grounds, in workshops, and on the neighbouring farm.
The competition the Board launched to design the hospital was won by Edinburgh-based architect Hippolyte Blanc, and many of the buildings you see on the site today are those he originally designed. Thirteen of the hospital's buildings are "Category A Listed", and so have the highest level of statutory protection: though this is of course protection from the hand of man, and not necessarily from the effects of the weather and the passage of time. Blanc's work at Bangour has been variously described as "Queen Anne" or "17th Century Scottish Renaissance" in style. He certainly succeeded in bringing a sense of architectural flair to the hospital, though in many ways the single unifying characteristic is just how different every building appears to be from every other building, even where the functions were the same. This at least allowed later buildings to be added to the hospital without looking out of place.
Bangour Village Hospital was formally opened on 13 October 1906 by the Rt Hon The Earl of Rosebery, Lord Lieutenant of Linlithgowshire, though the first patients were moved in during 1904 and up to 200 were in residence by the end of 1905. Among the most important elements of the hospital built to Blanc's designs were the imposing nurse's home and nearby hospital block in the site's north east corner, and most of the more than 30 villas. As each villa housed around 30 patients you get a clear idea of the size of the hospital in human terms.
One of the most striking buildings on the site is the Village Church. This was a later addition, built between 1924 and 1930 to a design by H. O. Tarbolton. It is said to be the largest church built in the Lothians outside Edinburgh during the 1900s and occupies a focal position from where it dominates the eastern half of the site. There is a certain irony in the inscription above the church door, visible beyond the securely padlocked metal screen preventing access to the doorway. This begins: "Friend, this house of God stands open for thee ever, that thou may enter, rest, think, kneel and pray..." Other later additions included some of the villas in the more exposed and less landscaped western end of the site: and the sports pavilion overlooking the extremely large sports ground.
Meanwhile one building is said to have moved location entirely during the hospital's life: a wooden structure near the centre of the village is reputed to have previously served elsewhere on the site as the hospital's railway station. A railway line had been built from Uphall Station to help with the construction of the hospital, and this continued to provide a passenger service until the end of World War One.
In the spring of 1915, the patients of Bangour Asylum were transferred to mental hospitals throughout Scotland in order to make room for a huge influx of wounded servicemen. A steady shuttle of trains delivered the victims of the war to the wards and public halls of Bangour. Once these were filled, marquees with a wooden floor and a single coal fire for heat, were pitched in the hospital grounds to house a further 700. At the height of the conflict, 3000 veteran patients were housed at Bangour, all hoping that the countryside setting would aid recovery to body and spirit.
Near Miss
6 June 2020 (p.m.) - Pictures show damage caused after Biggleswade bingo hall is hit by lightning
6 June 2020 (p.m.) - Pictures show damage caused after Biggleswade bingo hall is hit by lightning
A bingo hall was struck by lightning over the weekend causing structural damage to the building. The Flutters Bingo hall in Biggleswade was struck during the storm on Saturday (June 6) causing bricks to drop from the roof onto the pavement and road. Luckily no one was walking or driving past the bingo hall on Station Road otherwise someone could have been seriously hurt.
Firefighters attended the incident and accessed the building before closing nearby roads to take a closer look. They removed the loose bricks that were left in a dangerous position and also cleared the roads and pavements of the bricks that had fallen. Pictures from the scene show firefighters up on the roof looking at the damage. Two fire engines are known to have attended the incident.
Flutters posted the following Facebook message: “As a lot of you are aware Flutters was hit by lightning this afternoon in the massive storm in Biggleswade.
I can report that , apart from a small amount of exterior damage to the building, no other damage was sustained. No one was injured and no other property or persons were involved, for which we are obviously extremely grateful. The fire service left the premises and assured us that they had examined the premises, and that they were happy there was no fire risk or possibility of further damage occurring. We will obviously be taking steps to have the damage checked and repaired to make it all as safe and secure as we possibly can. We would like to thank the fire service for the prompt and professional way they handled the incident. I would like to add that we are taking steps to prepare the club ready for when we can happily re-open the club, watch this space for further updates of the measures we will be putting into place.Thank you all for your calls and texts regarding this latest unfortunate incident, but rest assured Flutters is here to stay!! Stay safe and well everyone. Martin”
The bingo hall was built in 1936 as The Regal Cinema.
News Source: Herts Live
Firefighters attended the incident and accessed the building before closing nearby roads to take a closer look. They removed the loose bricks that were left in a dangerous position and also cleared the roads and pavements of the bricks that had fallen. Pictures from the scene show firefighters up on the roof looking at the damage. Two fire engines are known to have attended the incident.
Flutters posted the following Facebook message: “As a lot of you are aware Flutters was hit by lightning this afternoon in the massive storm in Biggleswade.
I can report that , apart from a small amount of exterior damage to the building, no other damage was sustained. No one was injured and no other property or persons were involved, for which we are obviously extremely grateful. The fire service left the premises and assured us that they had examined the premises, and that they were happy there was no fire risk or possibility of further damage occurring. We will obviously be taking steps to have the damage checked and repaired to make it all as safe and secure as we possibly can. We would like to thank the fire service for the prompt and professional way they handled the incident. I would like to add that we are taking steps to prepare the club ready for when we can happily re-open the club, watch this space for further updates of the measures we will be putting into place.Thank you all for your calls and texts regarding this latest unfortunate incident, but rest assured Flutters is here to stay!! Stay safe and well everyone. Martin”
The bingo hall was built in 1936 as The Regal Cinema.
News Source: Herts Live
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Flutters Bingo & Social Club was originally The Regal Cinema, which opened on Monday 27th July 1936 by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey who lived at Old Warden. The proprietors were Arthur Hill and his two sons Ernest and Herbert. The architect was Arthur Singleton and the town centre site chosen was part of the Maythorn factory on rising ground in Station Road.
Maythorn & Son Ltd who closed in 1931 had purchased the Church of England National School in 1909. Part of the original wall still forms part of the present building facing the car park. There were 744 seats. There was a short-lived café upon the mezzanine floor under the balcony, converted into offices in 1937. The first film was Will Hay in “Where There’s a Will” and Biggleswade Silver Prize Band provided the music. The Regal was an immediate success, but was sold to The Cox Cinema Co Ltd in 1937. In 1938, Mr Cox invited all Biggleswade Pensioners to matinee performances free of charge. This was very much appreciated.
A series of Sunday Concerts, with proceeds to charity started in 1939 and continued from time to time during the war years. Live entertainment featured among others, Jack Payne, The Squadronaires, Troise and his Mandoliers, Ivy Bensons Girl Band and Big Bill Campbell and his Rocky Mountaineers. Amateur talent contests were very popular, with many enthusiastic performers.
There was a demand for Sunday evening films in 1946 and as the Regal was not licensed for Sunday opening the Urban District Council initially turned down the request, but following a town vote the following year, the extended licence was granted. A wide screen was fitted in 1956 and Cinemascope came in 1962.
In 1972 the Regal Cinema was sold to the Star Group and in 1974 to the Regent Leisure Group. They began to run regular bingo sessions in addition to showing films. With more people watching television at home, audiences at the Regal declined and the owners proposed to close the cinema, as they said it was not financially viable. Early in 1976, more than 2,000 people signed a petition against closure. But fewer than 60 people attended a public meeting, when various schemes were put forward. These schemes did not materialise and the Regal closed after Easter 1976. The last film was “Return of the Pink Panther” starring Peter Sellers.
However, a new era started in 1982 when Don Tyler purchased the building. Don Tyler had been in the cinema business since 1968. With many years’ experience as an executive with Granada Cinemas he had converted many cinemas into bingo halls. “Flutters Bingo & Social Club” Biggleswade heralded a new grouping expanding to five venues. Don died of a heart attack in 1995 when he was only 62, and his sons Andrew and Ian Tyler carried on with the venture.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Flutters Bingo & Social Club was originally The Regal Cinema, which opened on Monday 27th July 1936 by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey who lived at Old Warden. The proprietors were Arthur Hill and his two sons Ernest and Herbert. The architect was Arthur Singleton and the town centre site chosen was part of the Maythorn factory on rising ground in Station Road.
Maythorn & Son Ltd who closed in 1931 had purchased the Church of England National School in 1909. Part of the original wall still forms part of the present building facing the car park. There were 744 seats. There was a short-lived café upon the mezzanine floor under the balcony, converted into offices in 1937. The first film was Will Hay in “Where There’s a Will” and Biggleswade Silver Prize Band provided the music. The Regal was an immediate success, but was sold to The Cox Cinema Co Ltd in 1937. In 1938, Mr Cox invited all Biggleswade Pensioners to matinee performances free of charge. This was very much appreciated.
A series of Sunday Concerts, with proceeds to charity started in 1939 and continued from time to time during the war years. Live entertainment featured among others, Jack Payne, The Squadronaires, Troise and his Mandoliers, Ivy Bensons Girl Band and Big Bill Campbell and his Rocky Mountaineers. Amateur talent contests were very popular, with many enthusiastic performers.
There was a demand for Sunday evening films in 1946 and as the Regal was not licensed for Sunday opening the Urban District Council initially turned down the request, but following a town vote the following year, the extended licence was granted. A wide screen was fitted in 1956 and Cinemascope came in 1962.
In 1972 the Regal Cinema was sold to the Star Group and in 1974 to the Regent Leisure Group. They began to run regular bingo sessions in addition to showing films. With more people watching television at home, audiences at the Regal declined and the owners proposed to close the cinema, as they said it was not financially viable. Early in 1976, more than 2,000 people signed a petition against closure. But fewer than 60 people attended a public meeting, when various schemes were put forward. These schemes did not materialise and the Regal closed after Easter 1976. The last film was “Return of the Pink Panther” starring Peter Sellers.
However, a new era started in 1982 when Don Tyler purchased the building. Don Tyler had been in the cinema business since 1968. With many years’ experience as an executive with Granada Cinemas he had converted many cinemas into bingo halls. “Flutters Bingo & Social Club” Biggleswade heralded a new grouping expanding to five venues. Don died of a heart attack in 1995 when he was only 62, and his sons Andrew and Ian Tyler carried on with the venture.
6 June 2020 (08:00*) - Ashley Cross fire tackled by 35 Dorset and Wiltshire firefighters
Firefighters rescued a woman after a blaze in commercial premises filled flats above with smoke. Five fire engines went to Station Road in Ashley Cross at 8am today after the fire in commercial premises affected several flats. One woman had to be led to safety while other residents managed to evacuate the premises themselves. Around 35 firefighters from Westbourne, Poole, Springbourne and Redhill Park attended the incident. Crews used 10 sets of breathing apparatus, three hose reels and two main lines to extinguish a fire in the loft space of commercial premises. The residential flats above the commercial premises were affected by smoke and the fire is believed to have been started by an electrical fault. A fire investigation at the scene is continuing.
Station Manager Dan Perrett, who attended this incident said: “Thankfully the smoke alarms within the residential properties activated and alerted the residents to the fire. Most were able to self-evacuate but one female required assistance from the service. The fire damage is limited to the commercial premises but there is smoke damage to the residential properties and we are working with our partners to ensure that the residents are able to return home safely and the commercial premises is able to resume business as soon as possible. This is a very good example of why we continue to remind people to ensure they have working smoke alarms within their homes that are tested and maintained properly.”
This Victorian building is Locally Listed and lies within the Ashley Cross Conservation Area.
News Source: Bournemouth Echo
Station Manager Dan Perrett, who attended this incident said: “Thankfully the smoke alarms within the residential properties activated and alerted the residents to the fire. Most were able to self-evacuate but one female required assistance from the service. The fire damage is limited to the commercial premises but there is smoke damage to the residential properties and we are working with our partners to ensure that the residents are able to return home safely and the commercial premises is able to resume business as soon as possible. This is a very good example of why we continue to remind people to ensure they have working smoke alarms within their homes that are tested and maintained properly.”
This Victorian building is Locally Listed and lies within the Ashley Cross Conservation Area.
News Source: Bournemouth Echo
6 June 2020 (05:45) - Southam and Rugby firefighters 'put at risk' by derelict building fire
In the early hours of Saturday morning Rugby fire crews were sent to a fire at a derelict property in Ashlawn Road and were joined by crews from Southam Fire Station. In social media posts Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Three fire crews are currently dealing with a derelict building on fire on Ashlawn Road, Rugby. Emergency calls were received at 5.45am this morning reporting a farmhouse on fire. Crews expect to be detained some time.”
Southam Fire Station posted about the fire on their Facebook page. The post said: "Early this morning Southam’s crew were turned out to a derelict property fire. These are the riskiest fires we attend, as the condition and structural stability is unknown. Crews monitored the fire and allowed it to burn itself out, limiting environmental damage and not risking crew safety. Rugby Fire Station were first in attendance, and following a shift change, remained on scene damping down, making us available for further calls if required. This fire was clearly deliberate as no electric or gas services were connected Please remember setting derelict property on fire may seem fun, but it puts crews at risk and reduces fire cover for other genuine incidents."
The incident was at Martin’s Cottages, formerly Martin’s Farm. The farmhouse dates back to at least 1885, appearing on the OS map of that date, where it appears to be divided into two dwellings.
In July 2017, David Wilson Homes won their appeal against Rugby Borough Council’s decision in January 2016, to refuse planning permission for a major housing development on the site, over air pollution concerns in Dunchurch. The plans include the demolition of the old farm house and associated buildings and the construction of 860 new houses.
News Source: Leamington Courier
Southam Fire Station posted about the fire on their Facebook page. The post said: "Early this morning Southam’s crew were turned out to a derelict property fire. These are the riskiest fires we attend, as the condition and structural stability is unknown. Crews monitored the fire and allowed it to burn itself out, limiting environmental damage and not risking crew safety. Rugby Fire Station were first in attendance, and following a shift change, remained on scene damping down, making us available for further calls if required. This fire was clearly deliberate as no electric or gas services were connected Please remember setting derelict property on fire may seem fun, but it puts crews at risk and reduces fire cover for other genuine incidents."
The incident was at Martin’s Cottages, formerly Martin’s Farm. The farmhouse dates back to at least 1885, appearing on the OS map of that date, where it appears to be divided into two dwellings.
In July 2017, David Wilson Homes won their appeal against Rugby Borough Council’s decision in January 2016, to refuse planning permission for a major housing development on the site, over air pollution concerns in Dunchurch. The plans include the demolition of the old farm house and associated buildings and the construction of 860 new houses.
News Source: Leamington Courier
6 June 2020 (01:15) - Porthcawl fire destroys former school building
A blaze has destroyed the former St John’s school building in Bridgend. Five fire engines, along with an aerial platform, were called in to tackle the fire at Church Street, Newton, Porthcawl, at about 01:15 BST. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to keep windows closed because the fire caused a "significant amount of smoke". The cause of the fire in the disused building is under investigation, the service said.
It is understood that comedian Eddie Izzard attended the school in the late 1960s. Former school head teacher Alan Hughes, who lives nearby, said it was "deeply upsetting" to see the main school building "going up in flames. I actually lived in that building with my family for the first four years of my time as head master and I have many happy memories of the school," he said. "It was a sad day when the school closed in July 2014 and I know many people will be very distressed by what has now happened."
An acre of Land, to the east of the Newton Glebe, was the gift of Lord Wimborne in 1908, upon which a Rectory to St John’s Church was built in about 1912. The building became St John independent school in 1921, until its closure on the 11th July 2014. In September 2014 the school merged with nearby St Clare’s Independent school. The main building of St John's School was boarded up and is possibly awaiting demolition, as a planning application by Taylor Wimpey was submitted to Bridgend Council last month to build a housing estate of 74 dwellings on the site of the school and playing fields.
The Heritage Impact Statement reported: “Thorough investigation demonstrates that only one building (‘The Rectory’) possesses any heritage significance or makes any contribution to the character or appearance of this designated historic asset. However, it is assessed as being of only low or local significance and also as making no greater than a limited contribution to the character and appearance of the Newton Conservation Area”.
News Source: BBC News
It is understood that comedian Eddie Izzard attended the school in the late 1960s. Former school head teacher Alan Hughes, who lives nearby, said it was "deeply upsetting" to see the main school building "going up in flames. I actually lived in that building with my family for the first four years of my time as head master and I have many happy memories of the school," he said. "It was a sad day when the school closed in July 2014 and I know many people will be very distressed by what has now happened."
An acre of Land, to the east of the Newton Glebe, was the gift of Lord Wimborne in 1908, upon which a Rectory to St John’s Church was built in about 1912. The building became St John independent school in 1921, until its closure on the 11th July 2014. In September 2014 the school merged with nearby St Clare’s Independent school. The main building of St John's School was boarded up and is possibly awaiting demolition, as a planning application by Taylor Wimpey was submitted to Bridgend Council last month to build a housing estate of 74 dwellings on the site of the school and playing fields.
The Heritage Impact Statement reported: “Thorough investigation demonstrates that only one building (‘The Rectory’) possesses any heritage significance or makes any contribution to the character or appearance of this designated historic asset. However, it is assessed as being of only low or local significance and also as making no greater than a limited contribution to the character and appearance of the Newton Conservation Area”.
News Source: BBC News
5 June 2020 (09:09) - Woman dies in fire at historic Bontddu Hall in Gwynedd
A woman has died after a fire in a former hotel in Gwynedd. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to a report of the fire at a property on the A496 in Bontddu, near Dolgellau, at 9.09am on Friday morning. Fire appliances from Dolgellau, Harlech, Barmouth, Bala and Blaenau Ffestiniog, an aerial ladder platform, high volume pump and the incident command unit were mobilised to the incident. A woman was rescued by firefighters, but sadly died at the scene. The cause of the fire will be the subject of a joint investigation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.
Local councillor Peredur Jenkins said it was a "tragedy" and offered his sympathies to the family of the woman who died. "I would like to express my gratitude to the emergency services for their attendance at the scene."
Built in 1873, this Victorian country mansion was once the residence of Birmingham's Lord Mayor and a regular haunt of former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Decades ago, Bontddu Hall Hotel attracted wealthy and famous guests from all over the world during its heyday. Richard Burton stayed there during filming of the The Last Days of Dolwyn and Sion Connery stayed there during the filming of First Knight. Its sumptuous luxury and views over the Mawddach Estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth gained it an enviable reputation at home and abroad.
About 15 years ago, the hotel closed and it has since been used as a private residence. Recently some building work was being carried out on the property and scaffolding had been erected.
News Source: The Leader
Local councillor Peredur Jenkins said it was a "tragedy" and offered his sympathies to the family of the woman who died. "I would like to express my gratitude to the emergency services for their attendance at the scene."
Built in 1873, this Victorian country mansion was once the residence of Birmingham's Lord Mayor and a regular haunt of former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. Decades ago, Bontddu Hall Hotel attracted wealthy and famous guests from all over the world during its heyday. Richard Burton stayed there during filming of the The Last Days of Dolwyn and Sion Connery stayed there during the filming of First Knight. Its sumptuous luxury and views over the Mawddach Estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth gained it an enviable reputation at home and abroad.
About 15 years ago, the hotel closed and it has since been used as a private residence. Recently some building work was being carried out on the property and scaffolding had been erected.
News Source: The Leader
4 June 2020 (17:12) - Fire crews save 'ornate' building on Colchester High Street
Emergency services were forced to close an Essex High Street this afternoon after a building caught fire. Firefighters battled to save an 'ornate' building on Colchester High Street after its roof caught fire earlier today (June 4). Emergency services were called to the scene at 5.12pm and discovered the blaze had travelled across a flat ceiling undetected, towards a glass dome. The Incident Commander has ordered four fire engines and one aerial ladder platform to assist in tackling the fire. Engines from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Tiptree were all in attendance.
At 6.40pm the Incident Commander confirmed that the aerial ladder platform was no longer needed and the fire had been extinguished. Crews will continue to dampen and cool down the roof void and make the area safe. At 7.20pm Crews reported they were cutting away smouldering exposed beams as well as clearing the whole building of smoke. Crews expect to be on site for some time to ensure the fire is completely out.
Station Manager Danny Partridge said: “This is an old building with a flat roof and large voids in the roof and between levels. The fire travelled across the flat roof undetected, towards an ornate glass dome, which worked to ventilate the fire and assist it spreading. The flames then spread down the voids on the first floor and towards the basement, which also left the building full of smoke. We were fortunate that the current scaffolding and hoists surrounding the building assisted us in quickly moving our equipment and our firefighters to where they needed to be.”
Speaking after all crews had left the scene at 8pm, Station Manager Partridge praised the quick thinking of his team. He said: "“I’m in no doubt that the initial crews saved this building. Their rapid actions and the robust and dynamic tactics they demonstrated in tacking the fire were exceptional and made all the difference. The building has suffered severe damage to the roof and the voids on the first floor, though thankfully the ornate dome is still intact and there was minimal water damage. We now know the fire was caused accidentally by contractors who were carrying out work. We think the initial sparks may have happened some time before but the fire went unnoticed. We did hear reports that people in the area may have suspected that there was a fire nearby but were unsure." Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have now urged anyone with suspicions a fire may be ongoing to contact them. Colchester Historian Andrew Phillips said it was an important building in Colchester’s history. "Fires can be bad in historic buildings like this. People often blame councils for the decay of historic buildings, but fires are equally as likely a cause of them disappearing."
The fire was at the Cooperative Bank building, which is also known as the Albert Hall Building. Built in 1845, by Raphael Brandon, as a Corn Exchange, it later became the School of Science and Art. The building is Grade II listed and lies within the Colchester Town Centre Conservation Area. The Essex and Suffolk Equitable Fire Office building and The Duchess pub, on either side of the Albert Hall, are also listed buildings at Grade II* and Grade II respectively.
News Source: Essex Live
At 6.40pm the Incident Commander confirmed that the aerial ladder platform was no longer needed and the fire had been extinguished. Crews will continue to dampen and cool down the roof void and make the area safe. At 7.20pm Crews reported they were cutting away smouldering exposed beams as well as clearing the whole building of smoke. Crews expect to be on site for some time to ensure the fire is completely out.
Station Manager Danny Partridge said: “This is an old building with a flat roof and large voids in the roof and between levels. The fire travelled across the flat roof undetected, towards an ornate glass dome, which worked to ventilate the fire and assist it spreading. The flames then spread down the voids on the first floor and towards the basement, which also left the building full of smoke. We were fortunate that the current scaffolding and hoists surrounding the building assisted us in quickly moving our equipment and our firefighters to where they needed to be.”
Speaking after all crews had left the scene at 8pm, Station Manager Partridge praised the quick thinking of his team. He said: "“I’m in no doubt that the initial crews saved this building. Their rapid actions and the robust and dynamic tactics they demonstrated in tacking the fire were exceptional and made all the difference. The building has suffered severe damage to the roof and the voids on the first floor, though thankfully the ornate dome is still intact and there was minimal water damage. We now know the fire was caused accidentally by contractors who were carrying out work. We think the initial sparks may have happened some time before but the fire went unnoticed. We did hear reports that people in the area may have suspected that there was a fire nearby but were unsure." Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have now urged anyone with suspicions a fire may be ongoing to contact them. Colchester Historian Andrew Phillips said it was an important building in Colchester’s history. "Fires can be bad in historic buildings like this. People often blame councils for the decay of historic buildings, but fires are equally as likely a cause of them disappearing."
The fire was at the Cooperative Bank building, which is also known as the Albert Hall Building. Built in 1845, by Raphael Brandon, as a Corn Exchange, it later became the School of Science and Art. The building is Grade II listed and lies within the Colchester Town Centre Conservation Area. The Essex and Suffolk Equitable Fire Office building and The Duchess pub, on either side of the Albert Hall, are also listed buildings at Grade II* and Grade II respectively.
News Source: Essex Live
Listing Details
Entry Name: The Albert Hall
Listing Date: 2 December 1971 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1337737 English Heritage Legacy ID: 117030 Location: Colchester, Essex, CO1 County: Essex District: Colchester Town: Colchester Electoral Ward/Division: Castle Built-Up Area: Colchester Traditional County: Essex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Essex Church of England Parish: Colchester St Peter Church of England Diocese: Chelmsford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.8899 / 51°53'23"N Longitude: 0.8972 / 0°53'49"E OS Eastings: 599460 OS Northings: 225228 OS Grid: TL994252 Mapcode National: GBR SN4.KM3 Mapcode Global: VHKFZ.HRNK |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Albert Hall Building is a Grade II listed building by Raphael and Joshua Brandon. This was built as a corn exchange, next to the earlier corn exchange - which later became the Essex and Suffolk Equitable Fire Office. A picture of the Brandons' building was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1845 the year it was opened. The Exchange was faced with the same stone as the old town hall, and the building was crowned by an allegorical sculpture of Ceres "scattering round her the produce of an abundant harvest" ("Albert Hall"). Unfortunately, it was made of such soft stone that it quickly eroded and was later removed. — (here and elsewhere the sculpture is wrongly assumed to be a depiction of Britannia).
In 1884, the building ceased to function as a corn exchange, and in 1885 became the premises of the newly founded Albert School of Science and Art. It was probably at this time that the outer niches were adapted to make windows. In 1894 the school's management was taken over by the borough council, and more changes were made, to give it lecture rooms and laboratories. The school developed into a technical institute, which moved into new premises in 1912. It then served as a Food Control office during the First World War.
After years of disuse, major alterations were made in 1926; a stage, foyer, and gallery were built and the building was used as an assembly hall, art gallery, and theatre until 1972. In 1937, it became a full time repertoire theatre putting on 30 shows a year. The man who ran Colchester Repertory Theatre was called David Forder. He fully revived it and persuaded the town it needed a new theatre which led to the Mercury being built. By 1974 it was being used as a stationery store by Cullingford and Co. In 1980 the council sold it to property developers and from 1991 the restored building housed the Co-operative Bank and the General Accident Assurances Corporation.
Despite having stood empty or been used for various other purposes, it still survives to testify to the versatility of architects better known for their enthusiasm for the neo-Gothic, and church architecture.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Albert Hall Building is a Grade II listed building by Raphael and Joshua Brandon. This was built as a corn exchange, next to the earlier corn exchange - which later became the Essex and Suffolk Equitable Fire Office. A picture of the Brandons' building was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1845 the year it was opened. The Exchange was faced with the same stone as the old town hall, and the building was crowned by an allegorical sculpture of Ceres "scattering round her the produce of an abundant harvest" ("Albert Hall"). Unfortunately, it was made of such soft stone that it quickly eroded and was later removed. — (here and elsewhere the sculpture is wrongly assumed to be a depiction of Britannia).
In 1884, the building ceased to function as a corn exchange, and in 1885 became the premises of the newly founded Albert School of Science and Art. It was probably at this time that the outer niches were adapted to make windows. In 1894 the school's management was taken over by the borough council, and more changes were made, to give it lecture rooms and laboratories. The school developed into a technical institute, which moved into new premises in 1912. It then served as a Food Control office during the First World War.
After years of disuse, major alterations were made in 1926; a stage, foyer, and gallery were built and the building was used as an assembly hall, art gallery, and theatre until 1972. In 1937, it became a full time repertoire theatre putting on 30 shows a year. The man who ran Colchester Repertory Theatre was called David Forder. He fully revived it and persuaded the town it needed a new theatre which led to the Mercury being built. By 1974 it was being used as a stationery store by Cullingford and Co. In 1980 the council sold it to property developers and from 1991 the restored building housed the Co-operative Bank and the General Accident Assurances Corporation.
Despite having stood empty or been used for various other purposes, it still survives to testify to the versatility of architects better known for their enthusiasm for the neo-Gothic, and church architecture.
3 June 2020 (21:20*) - Two boys arrested after Earl Haig social club damaged by fire twice in three weeks
Two boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire caused further damage to a Horley social club, which was already attempting to recover from a devastating fire that happened less than three weeks earlier. The Earl Haig Sports and Social Club in Albert Road was struck by a large blaze on May 15. Huge flames and thick clouds of smoke were filmed and photographed emerging from the 104-year-old building.
Social club chairman Kevin Devlin, 66, described it as a "disaster", and subsequently launched a fundraiser called 'Save the Haig' to raise money for repairs of the extensive damage caused. But less than three weeks later and the club has been further damage by fire, this one believed to have been started deliberately, on Wednesday (June 3). The incident in May, on the other hand, is not being treated a suspicious.
Surrey Police was called to the scene in Albert Road, Horley, on Wednesday at 11pm. The force says the fire was believed to have been started at around 9.30pm. On Friday, two boys aged 14 and 16, and both from Horley, were arrested on suspicion of arson and they remain in custody. Chairman Mr Devlin has confirmed that the most recent fire has "destroyed" the club's UPVC cladding as well as asphalt on the building.
Two fire engines from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) attended calls to rubbish alight at 9.20pm, with crews arriving 10 minutes later. A WSFRS spokesperson said: "The call came in around 9.20pm, some rubbish was alight on Albert Road, Horley. Crews arrived at the scene around 9.30pm, the fire caused approximately 21 to 50m² of damage. Crews left the scene around 10pm."
Speaking on May 20, the club's chairman Mr Devlin explained the mammoth task ahead of him in terms of repairs. He made a grim estimation of £100,000 in costs. "It was a disaster. Honestly, I felt like crying when I saw it. But I have gone back since and taken a look and it is actually salvageable," he said. Prior to the pandemic, the club was also the base for the Royal British Legion (RBL) Horley branch. Horley RBL vice chairman Paul Grest said he was shocked and saddened at the incident, but remained confident that a local alternative base could be found.
A Surrey Police spokesperson said: "Surrey Police were called to Albert Road in Horley at around 11pm on Wednesday, June 3, following reports of a fire. The fire was believed to have been started deliberately at around 9.30pm. Two boys under the age of 18 were arrested on Friday morning (June 5) on suspicion of arson and remain in custody."
News Source: Surrey Live.
Social club chairman Kevin Devlin, 66, described it as a "disaster", and subsequently launched a fundraiser called 'Save the Haig' to raise money for repairs of the extensive damage caused. But less than three weeks later and the club has been further damage by fire, this one believed to have been started deliberately, on Wednesday (June 3). The incident in May, on the other hand, is not being treated a suspicious.
Surrey Police was called to the scene in Albert Road, Horley, on Wednesday at 11pm. The force says the fire was believed to have been started at around 9.30pm. On Friday, two boys aged 14 and 16, and both from Horley, were arrested on suspicion of arson and they remain in custody. Chairman Mr Devlin has confirmed that the most recent fire has "destroyed" the club's UPVC cladding as well as asphalt on the building.
Two fire engines from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) attended calls to rubbish alight at 9.20pm, with crews arriving 10 minutes later. A WSFRS spokesperson said: "The call came in around 9.20pm, some rubbish was alight on Albert Road, Horley. Crews arrived at the scene around 9.30pm, the fire caused approximately 21 to 50m² of damage. Crews left the scene around 10pm."
Speaking on May 20, the club's chairman Mr Devlin explained the mammoth task ahead of him in terms of repairs. He made a grim estimation of £100,000 in costs. "It was a disaster. Honestly, I felt like crying when I saw it. But I have gone back since and taken a look and it is actually salvageable," he said. Prior to the pandemic, the club was also the base for the Royal British Legion (RBL) Horley branch. Horley RBL vice chairman Paul Grest said he was shocked and saddened at the incident, but remained confident that a local alternative base could be found.
A Surrey Police spokesperson said: "Surrey Police were called to Albert Road in Horley at around 11pm on Wednesday, June 3, following reports of a fire. The fire was believed to have been started deliberately at around 9.30pm. Two boys under the age of 18 were arrested on Friday morning (June 5) on suspicion of arson and remain in custody."
News Source: Surrey Live.
Near Miss
3 June 2020 (05:00*) - Firefighters tackle blaze next to historic cinema in Sheffield
3 June 2020 (05:00*) - Firefighters tackle blaze next to historic cinema in Sheffield
Firefighters were called out at 5am to a fire in the flats above a shop next to Abbeydale Picture House on Abbeydale Road. Three fire engines were deployed and crews spent around three hours at the scene.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 5am this morning to a flats above a shop next to Abbeydale Picture House on Abbeydale Road. Three fire crews from Central, Parkway and Birley Moor attended it. There are no reports of any casualties. We came away at 7.50am. A fire investigation is taking place this morning.”
Abbeydale Picture House is a Grade II listed building, which was formerly a cinema from 1920-75. It is the only former cinema left of its era in the city and was often referred to as the 'picture palace' in its day. It had seating for over 1,560 people, a ballroom and billiard hall. However, the building closed in 1975 and after numerous restoration projects, it has now been taken over by CADS (Creative Arts Development Space). The company has been working on the building since 2017 to help restore and renovate parts of the historic site. It is now host to many unique events and weddings to help bring more people back into the historical setting.
News Source: The Star
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 5am this morning to a flats above a shop next to Abbeydale Picture House on Abbeydale Road. Three fire crews from Central, Parkway and Birley Moor attended it. There are no reports of any casualties. We came away at 7.50am. A fire investigation is taking place this morning.”
Abbeydale Picture House is a Grade II listed building, which was formerly a cinema from 1920-75. It is the only former cinema left of its era in the city and was often referred to as the 'picture palace' in its day. It had seating for over 1,560 people, a ballroom and billiard hall. However, the building closed in 1975 and after numerous restoration projects, it has now been taken over by CADS (Creative Arts Development Space). The company has been working on the building since 2017 to help restore and renovate parts of the historic site. It is now host to many unique events and weddings to help bring more people back into the historical setting.
News Source: The Star
Listing Details
Entry Name: Abbeydale Picture House
Listing Date: 24 August 1989 Last Amended: 12 December 1995 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1246428 English Heritage Legacy ID: 455105 Location: Sheffield, S7 County: Sheffield Electoral Ward/Division: Nether Edge and Sharrow Built-Up Area: Sheffield Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): South Yorkshire Church of England Parish: St Peter and St Oswald Sheffield Church of England Diocese: Sheffield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.3594 / 53°21'33"N Longitude: -1.4798 / 1°28'47"W OS Eastings: 434715 OS Northings: 384845 OS Grid: SK347848 Mapcode National: GBR 9FT.7K Mapcode Global: WHDDP.7TKJ |
2 June 2020 (20:05) - Investigation launched after another blaze at former Strathmartine Hospital in Dundee
Police have launched an investigation after a fire took hold at the former Strathmartine Hospital last night. Firefighters were called to a blaze in a derelict building at 8.05pm and took over two hours to extinguish the flames. A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said four appliances had been involved, using aerial equipment and two main jets. Crews stood down at 10.37pm.
Last week campaigner Karen McCauley called for action to seal the former orphanage and psychiatric hospital after recent pictures showed the dilapidated buildings could be easily accessed. She feared the grounds could become a magnet for bored teenagers during lockdown. On social media people reported seeing youths near the grounds last night. A spokesman for Police Scotland said officers were called to the fire at 8.10pm. She added: “A joint investigation is to be carried out with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.”
The Category B listed former Strathmartine hospital is believed to be Scotland’s first and oldest institution for people with a learning disability. It was one of many institutions created in the nineteenth century for people with a learning disability and was finally closed in 2003. The hospital has been targeted by both vandals and firebugs repeatedly in recent years.
News Source: Evening Telegraph
Last week campaigner Karen McCauley called for action to seal the former orphanage and psychiatric hospital after recent pictures showed the dilapidated buildings could be easily accessed. She feared the grounds could become a magnet for bored teenagers during lockdown. On social media people reported seeing youths near the grounds last night. A spokesman for Police Scotland said officers were called to the fire at 8.10pm. She added: “A joint investigation is to be carried out with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.”
The Category B listed former Strathmartine hospital is believed to be Scotland’s first and oldest institution for people with a learning disability. It was one of many institutions created in the nineteenth century for people with a learning disability and was finally closed in 2003. The hospital has been targeted by both vandals and firebugs repeatedly in recent years.
News Source: Evening Telegraph
Listing Details
Entry Name: Baldovan, Strathmartine Hospital, Former Baldovan Institute
Listing Date: 10 August 2001 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 395542 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB48113 Building Class: Cultural Location: Mains and Strathmartine County: Angus Electoral Ward: Monifieth and Sidlaw Parish: Mains And Strathmartine Traditional County: Angus |
Coordinates
Latitude: 56.5038 / 56°30'13"N Longitude: -2.9977 / 2°59'51"W OS Eastings: 338684 OS Northings: 735077 OS Grid: NO386350 Mapcode National: GBR VJ.Z9LS Mapcode Global: WH7R3.XSPJ |
2 June 2020 (15:45) - Elderly man and off-duty nurse evacuated as fire engulfs town centre house
An elderly man and an off-duty nurse were among people evacuated as fire engulfed a town centre house. The blaze broke out at a two-storey home behind Taylor’s cafe in Fakenham just before 4pm on Tuesday, May 2. Norfolk Fire and Rescue sent six fire crews to battle the blaze, which gutted the house but left the cafe and surrounding buildings with little damage - although the cafe was filled with smoke.
Cafe owner Taylor James, 42, was at the venue yesterday when the fire broke out. When he saw the smoke, he called out to the man who lives in the house, who is in his 80s, to get out. He said: “It was pretty scary. I’ve never seen a fire like that before. I didn’t see the flames but I saw smoke in the windows, popping and cracking.” Mr Taylor said the man was able to leave the house safely and was now staying with family. Mr Taylor said someone else had to bang on the door of a nurse, who also lives close by, to get her to leave. Mr Taylor said he had heard the nurse was sleeping when the fire broke out, having returned home from a night shift.
Dalton Stuart, who lives nearby, said he was watching television with his partner at home when he smelled burning plastic. Mr Stuart said: “First I checked the house, worried it was something of ours burning. I stopped my search when I saw and heard police cars and fire engines down the road. I stepped outside and was immediately greeted with plumes of smoke.” Mr Stuart said smoke was blowing about “left, right and centre”. He added: “Lots of people living close and next the building were evacuated for safety. All that were involved did an amazing job and should be proud of themselves and I was glad to hear that no one was hurt.” A Fire and Rescue spokesman said the crews who responded came from Fakenham, Massingham, Wells and King’s Lynn stations. The spokesman said: “No-one was hurt - everyone who was under threat was gotten out.”
The building is Grade II listed and dates from the early 19th century. It lies within the Fakenham Conservation Area.
News Source: EDP24
Cafe owner Taylor James, 42, was at the venue yesterday when the fire broke out. When he saw the smoke, he called out to the man who lives in the house, who is in his 80s, to get out. He said: “It was pretty scary. I’ve never seen a fire like that before. I didn’t see the flames but I saw smoke in the windows, popping and cracking.” Mr Taylor said the man was able to leave the house safely and was now staying with family. Mr Taylor said someone else had to bang on the door of a nurse, who also lives close by, to get her to leave. Mr Taylor said he had heard the nurse was sleeping when the fire broke out, having returned home from a night shift.
Dalton Stuart, who lives nearby, said he was watching television with his partner at home when he smelled burning plastic. Mr Stuart said: “First I checked the house, worried it was something of ours burning. I stopped my search when I saw and heard police cars and fire engines down the road. I stepped outside and was immediately greeted with plumes of smoke.” Mr Stuart said smoke was blowing about “left, right and centre”. He added: “Lots of people living close and next the building were evacuated for safety. All that were involved did an amazing job and should be proud of themselves and I was glad to hear that no one was hurt.” A Fire and Rescue spokesman said the crews who responded came from Fakenham, Massingham, Wells and King’s Lynn stations. The spokesman said: “No-one was hurt - everyone who was under threat was gotten out.”
The building is Grade II listed and dates from the early 19th century. It lies within the Fakenham Conservation Area.
News Source: EDP24
Listing Details
Entry Name: 5 and 7, Oak Street
Listing Date: 15 February 1979 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1039433 English Heritage Legacy ID: 223021 Location: Fakenham, North Norfolk, Norfolk, NR21 County: Norfolk District: North Norfolk Civil Parish: Fakenham Built-Up Area: Fakenham Traditional County: Norfolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Norfolk Church of England Parish: Fakenham St Peter and St Paul Church of England Diocese: Norwich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.8305 / 52°49'49"N Longitude: 0.8465 / 0°50'47"E OS Eastings: 591856 OS Northings: 329683 OS Grid: TF918296 Mapcode National: GBR R7B.JV2 Mapcode Global: WHKQ5.Z37W |
Near Miss
2 June 2020 (04:46) - More than 40 firefighters battle major blaze next to 14th Century Barn in Wiltshire
2 June 2020 (04:46) - More than 40 firefighters battle major blaze next to 14th Century Barn in Wiltshire
More than 40 firefighters battled a major blaze in Tisbury (see previous listing). Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident on Court Street at 4.46 this morning (Tuesday, June 2). Fire engines from Tisbury, Shaftesbury (two), Mere, Wilton, Salisbury (two) and Yeovil, along with the aerial ladder platform from Yeovil, a support appliance from Sherborne and a water carrier from Pewsey were initially sent to the scene. A fire investigation is underway but it is believed to have started accidently.
The fire was adjacent to a thatched former tithe barn, which served a 14th century monastic grange. It has a floor space over one third of an acre and is reputed to be the largest, though not the longest, barn of its type in England. The barn is occupied by Messums Wiltshire, a gallery and arts centre which opened in Autumn 2016 after a two year restoration project. The barn is Grade I listed and is part of a group of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings that make up the Place Farm complex. The farm lies within the Tisbury Conservation Area.
News Source: Salisbury Journal
The fire was adjacent to a thatched former tithe barn, which served a 14th century monastic grange. It has a floor space over one third of an acre and is reputed to be the largest, though not the longest, barn of its type in England. The barn is occupied by Messums Wiltshire, a gallery and arts centre which opened in Autumn 2016 after a two year restoration project. The barn is Grade I listed and is part of a group of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings that make up the Place Farm complex. The farm lies within the Tisbury Conservation Area.
News Source: Salisbury Journal
Entry Name: Tithe Barn at Place Farm
Listing Date: 6 January 1966 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1318824 English Heritage Legacy ID: 321001 Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Tisbury Built-Up Area: Tisbury Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire Church of England Parish: Tisbury St John the Baptist Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.0679 / 51°4'4"N Longitude: -2.0702 / 2°4'12"W OS Eastings: 395177 OS Northings: 129840 OS Grid: ST951298 Mapcode National: GBR 2Y6.ZB5 Mapcode Global: FRA 66K9.79V |
Extract from the Tisbury Conservation Area Appraisal
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Place Farm
At the far eastern end of the Conservation Area lies the Tithe Barn at Place Farm, a massive medieval structure from the fifteenth century, said to be the largest thatched tithe barn in England. Its stone walls and thatched roof dominate its setting, which includes the equally striking Place Farm House, with its gatehouse and associated outbuildings.
• This consists of a superb group of farm buildings originating from a monastic grange, together with a fourteenth century grange (now farmhouse), huge tithe barn, inner and outer gatehouses and interspersed with later farm ranges of cart sheds and stables, forming a large enclosed farmyard. Much of the farmstead has been sensitively converted to a high quality office space.
• The scale of the tithe barn, especially with its thatched roof, is breathtaking. Similarly the presence of such a solid and robust stone gatehouse seen in this semi rural setting is somewhat unexpected and surprising.
• The farm complex and monastic survivals – farmhouse, gatehouses and tithe barn (all of which are grade I listed) form a cohesive group of national importance.
• The materials are a mix of rubble stone and dressed limestone, handmade and machine-made clay tile roofs, and thatch (combed wheat reed) to the barn
• The view on approaching the conservation area from the east is dominated by the tithe barn running perpendicular to the road and effectively closing the farm complex to the east. The view through the arch of the outer gatehouse reveals tantalising glimpses of the fine farmhouse beyond, adding to the mystery and interest of this historic survival.
• The use of the local stone with such consistency throughout this important group, forms part of the local distinctiveness of this area.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Place Farm
At the far eastern end of the Conservation Area lies the Tithe Barn at Place Farm, a massive medieval structure from the fifteenth century, said to be the largest thatched tithe barn in England. Its stone walls and thatched roof dominate its setting, which includes the equally striking Place Farm House, with its gatehouse and associated outbuildings.
• This consists of a superb group of farm buildings originating from a monastic grange, together with a fourteenth century grange (now farmhouse), huge tithe barn, inner and outer gatehouses and interspersed with later farm ranges of cart sheds and stables, forming a large enclosed farmyard. Much of the farmstead has been sensitively converted to a high quality office space.
• The scale of the tithe barn, especially with its thatched roof, is breathtaking. Similarly the presence of such a solid and robust stone gatehouse seen in this semi rural setting is somewhat unexpected and surprising.
• The farm complex and monastic survivals – farmhouse, gatehouses and tithe barn (all of which are grade I listed) form a cohesive group of national importance.
• The materials are a mix of rubble stone and dressed limestone, handmade and machine-made clay tile roofs, and thatch (combed wheat reed) to the barn
• The view on approaching the conservation area from the east is dominated by the tithe barn running perpendicular to the road and effectively closing the farm complex to the east. The view through the arch of the outer gatehouse reveals tantalising glimpses of the fine farmhouse beyond, adding to the mystery and interest of this historic survival.
• The use of the local stone with such consistency throughout this important group, forms part of the local distinctiveness of this area.
2 June 2020 (04:46) - Firefighters tackle fire at Messums Wiltshire
Forty firefighters dealt with a fire involving a restaurant at Messums Wiltshire gallery in Tisbury. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident on Court Street at 4.46 this morning (Tuesday, June 2). Fire engines from Tisbury, Shaftesbury (two), Mere, Wilton, Salisbury (two) and Yeovil, along with the aerial ladder platform from Yeovil, a support appliance from Sherborne and a water carrier from Pewsey were initially sent to the scene.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "The fire has affected an industrial kitchen and office space, with heavy smoke throughout the building. We have now scaled back to crews from Tisbury and Salisbury, with water carriers now on scene from Pewsey and Ramsbury. The Yeovil appliances have returned to home station, but the aerial from Salisbury is now there." Firefighters remained at the scene to dampening down the area.
A post on the Messums Wiltshire website said: "We are sorry to announce that overnight on Tuesday 2 June a fire engulfed The Mess restaurant. Luckily no one was hurt although the internals have been considerably damaged. Thank you so much to the awesome crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service without whose effort and bravery we would be looking at very different circumstances. We hope to bring you more information about the restaurant reopening as soon as we can. The Barn and exhibition programming remain on schedule to reopen from 4 July, by appointment, and we look forward to bringing you further information about this next week."
Charity iCatCare, who have an office adjoining the building where the fire took place, says it suffered "considerable damage" to its property. A statement said: "Today, we’re sad to confirm that a fire took place in a building adjoining our charity’s headquarters in Tisbury early this morning, Tuesday 2 June. Thankfully the property and our offices were unoccupied and no one was hurt, however both have suffered considerable damage – the full extent of which is still unknown. The cause of the fire is under investigation and we’re working closely with the fire service and local agencies. While this is a major disruption, we’re fortunate that through our Covid-19 contingency planning we’re able to continue operations remotely and deliver online resources to provide as normal a service as possible. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for their swift action in tackling the fire, and to our landlords the Fonthill Estate, as well as our neighbours Messums and The National Trust for their support."
The charity hopes to return to the building in time but until the full extent of the damage is ascertained, it cannot predict when this will be. In the meantime, an alternative short-term solution will be found. The full extent of the loss is as yet unknown and work is under way on a full inventory to establish this. The IT servers have been severely damaged, although these are regularly backed up and merchandise is generally held in separate storage. International Cat Care (iCatCare) is a charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide. A fire investigation is underway but it is believed to have started accidently.
The building is one of a number of 19th century Grade II listed former farm buildings. They are part of a group of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings that make up the Place Farm complex. The farm lies within the Tisbury Conservation Area.
News Source: Salisbury Journal
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "The fire has affected an industrial kitchen and office space, with heavy smoke throughout the building. We have now scaled back to crews from Tisbury and Salisbury, with water carriers now on scene from Pewsey and Ramsbury. The Yeovil appliances have returned to home station, but the aerial from Salisbury is now there." Firefighters remained at the scene to dampening down the area.
A post on the Messums Wiltshire website said: "We are sorry to announce that overnight on Tuesday 2 June a fire engulfed The Mess restaurant. Luckily no one was hurt although the internals have been considerably damaged. Thank you so much to the awesome crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service without whose effort and bravery we would be looking at very different circumstances. We hope to bring you more information about the restaurant reopening as soon as we can. The Barn and exhibition programming remain on schedule to reopen from 4 July, by appointment, and we look forward to bringing you further information about this next week."
Charity iCatCare, who have an office adjoining the building where the fire took place, says it suffered "considerable damage" to its property. A statement said: "Today, we’re sad to confirm that a fire took place in a building adjoining our charity’s headquarters in Tisbury early this morning, Tuesday 2 June. Thankfully the property and our offices were unoccupied and no one was hurt, however both have suffered considerable damage – the full extent of which is still unknown. The cause of the fire is under investigation and we’re working closely with the fire service and local agencies. While this is a major disruption, we’re fortunate that through our Covid-19 contingency planning we’re able to continue operations remotely and deliver online resources to provide as normal a service as possible. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for their swift action in tackling the fire, and to our landlords the Fonthill Estate, as well as our neighbours Messums and The National Trust for their support."
The charity hopes to return to the building in time but until the full extent of the damage is ascertained, it cannot predict when this will be. In the meantime, an alternative short-term solution will be found. The full extent of the loss is as yet unknown and work is under way on a full inventory to establish this. The IT servers have been severely damaged, although these are regularly backed up and merchandise is generally held in separate storage. International Cat Care (iCatCare) is a charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide. A fire investigation is underway but it is believed to have started accidently.
The building is one of a number of 19th century Grade II listed former farm buildings. They are part of a group of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings that make up the Place Farm complex. The farm lies within the Tisbury Conservation Area.
News Source: Salisbury Journal
Entry Name: Farmbuildings at Place Farm
Listing Date: 6 January 1966 Last Amended: 6 July 1987 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1146020 English Heritage Legacy ID: 321002 Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Tisbury Built-Up Area: Tisbury Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire Church of England Parish: Tisbury St John the Baptist Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.0675 / 51°4'3"N Longitude: -2.0705 / 2°4'13"W OS Eastings: 395158 OS Northings: 129800 OS Grid: ST951298 Mapcode National: GBR 2Y6.Z7Q Mapcode Global: FRA 66K9.F6Q |
1 June 2020 (19:50) - Hove fire: Fire crews rush to third floor blaze near seafront
Fire engines from Preston Circus, Hove and Roedean fire stations have rushed to the scene of a building fire in Hove. Firefighters were called to a fire on the 3rd floor of a building on Lansdown Place at 7.50pm, East Sussex Fire Control said on Twitter. An aerial ladder platform and an ambulance are also at the scene. Pictures shared on social media show smoke billowing out the window of the top floor. Sussex Police were called and road closures have been put in place in Lansdowne Place, Holland Road and Western Road.
A passerby said: “We heard loads of sirens and went outside to see lots of people in the street. The road was blocked with four fire engines and an ambulance. There was loads of smoke coming from the flat, we hope everyone is okay.”
East Sussex Fire Control tweeted: “Crews are in attendance at fires in Hove “At 19:50 crews were called to a fire on the 3rd floor of a building on Lansdown Place, Hove. Fire engines from Preston Circus, Hove and Roedean fire Station’s are in attendance along with the Aerial ladder platform.” It is understood the fire has now been put out and no one was injured.
The property is part of a Grade II listed Regency terrace, built around 1850-60. It lies within the Brunswick Town Conservation Area.
News Source: Express
A passerby said: “We heard loads of sirens and went outside to see lots of people in the street. The road was blocked with four fire engines and an ambulance. There was loads of smoke coming from the flat, we hope everyone is okay.”
East Sussex Fire Control tweeted: “Crews are in attendance at fires in Hove “At 19:50 crews were called to a fire on the 3rd floor of a building on Lansdown Place, Hove. Fire engines from Preston Circus, Hove and Roedean fire Station’s are in attendance along with the Aerial ladder platform.” It is understood the fire has now been put out and no one was injured.
The property is part of a Grade II listed Regency terrace, built around 1850-60. It lies within the Brunswick Town Conservation Area.
News Source: Express
Entry Name: Nos 59-127 Including Walls and Railings
Listing Date: 10 September 1971 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1187573 English Heritage Legacy ID: 365580 Location: Brighton and Hove, BN3 County: The City of Brighton and Hove Electoral Ward/Division: Brunswick and Adelaide Built-Up Area: Brighton and Hove Traditional County: Sussex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): East Sussex Church of England Parish: Hove St John the Baptist Church of England Diocese: Chichester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.8261 / 50°49'33"N Longitude: -0.1607 / 0°9'38"W OS Eastings: 529640 OS Northings: 104561 OS Grid: TQ296045 Mapcode National: GBR JP3.266 Mapcode Global: FRA B6KX.77H |
1 June 2020 (14:17) - Investigation launched after fire started at former nursing home
Police have launched an investigation following a serious fire at a former nursing home. The arson incident took place in Congleton on Monday (June 1) and officers are now appealing for information. Firefighters were notified of a fire at the former Moody Hall Nursing Home at around 2.15pm on Monday. They were able to extinguish the blaze at the now derelict building in Moody Street before it could spread beyond the room it started in.
A police spokesperson said: "A fire investigator has confirmed that the fire was started deliberately. It caused only moderate damage to one of the rooms in the derelict building, but the consequences of this incident could have been far worse. Fire spreads quickly and can endanger lives as well as properties. I would like to reassure members of the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are doing everything we can to establish who started the fire and make them face the consequences of their actions. Enquiries are ongoing and as part of our investigation we want to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious. We also want to talk to anyone who thinks they may know who started the fire, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them."
Moody Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian building in the Moody Street Conservation Area in Congleton. It was built in 1777 for the Reade family who owned a large silk mill. The grand
Moody Hall was converted into a nursing home in the twentieth century and has been extended at the rear. The care home closed on 30th September 2014 after failing to meet national standards on CQC inspections.
News Source: Cheshire Live
A police spokesperson said: "A fire investigator has confirmed that the fire was started deliberately. It caused only moderate damage to one of the rooms in the derelict building, but the consequences of this incident could have been far worse. Fire spreads quickly and can endanger lives as well as properties. I would like to reassure members of the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are doing everything we can to establish who started the fire and make them face the consequences of their actions. Enquiries are ongoing and as part of our investigation we want to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious. We also want to talk to anyone who thinks they may know who started the fire, or have CCTV or dashcam footage of them."
Moody Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian building in the Moody Street Conservation Area in Congleton. It was built in 1777 for the Reade family who owned a large silk mill. The grand
Moody Hall was converted into a nursing home in the twentieth century and has been extended at the rear. The care home closed on 30th September 2014 after failing to meet national standards on CQC inspections.
News Source: Cheshire Live
Entry Name: Moody Hall
Listing Date: 28 July 1950 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1325996 English Heritage Legacy ID: 55903 Location: Congleton, Cheshire East, CW12 County: Cheshire East Civil Parish: Congleton Built-Up Area: Congleton Traditional County: Cheshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cheshire Church of England Parish: Congleton Team Church of England Diocese: Chester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.1622 / 53°9'43"N Longitude: -2.2131 / 2°12'47"W OS Eastings: 385848 OS Northings: 362805 OS Grid: SJ858628 Mapcode National: GBR 12B.R9R Mapcode Global: WHBC0.ZS95 |
1 June 2020 (02:43) - Crumlin Road courthouse: Police say fire was deliberate
Firefighters have been tackling a large fire at the old Crumlin Road courthouse in Belfast. It started at about 02:43 BST on Monday with 25 firefighters, three appliances and an aerial appliance trying to dampen down the blaze. A PSNI spokesperson said the fire was being treated as deliberate.
The Crumlin Road Courthouse was designed by the architect Charles Lanyon in the 1840s and completed in 1850, and is one of Belfast's most iconic buildings. The courthouse closed in June 1998 after nearly 150 years of use, but had already been damaged by previous fires, most recently on the 13th August 2019. On the 12th March 2009, the courthouse suffered significant damage in a fire and a series of further fires in August 2009 caused further massive damage to the structure, prompting questions into the cause and leaving the future of the building in question. Another fire in 2015 also caused minor damage to the building, which the Fire Service said was started deliberately. North Belfast MP John Finucane said the building was one of the most historic and recognisable in the city. "This deliberate attack on it is wrong and must be condemned," he said.
Alderman Brian Kingston said because of this he "feared that little of the original content will now be left". He commended the firefighters who put an appliance behind the courthouse to protect houses in Lower Shankill estate. The DUP politician added that the building should not be "left in the hands of private developers while it continues to deteriorate and to be damaged".
The Belfast Buildings Trust said it was "deeply saddened by yet another fire" inside the historic building. Development Manager Shane Quinn said it was "hugely troubling," that it may have been started deliberately. "The courthouse's physical history and the personal stories associated with it say so much about Belfast," he said. He added that while the full extent of the damage needed to be assessed he was confident the building could be regenerated. In March 2017, the Grade B+ listed building was bought by Lawrence Kenwright, from the Signature Living Group. Plans were announced to develop the building into a £10m, 77-bed hotel and Belfast City Council approved the plans. However, it was put on the market by Signature Living in 2019.
News Source: BBC News
The Crumlin Road Courthouse was designed by the architect Charles Lanyon in the 1840s and completed in 1850, and is one of Belfast's most iconic buildings. The courthouse closed in June 1998 after nearly 150 years of use, but had already been damaged by previous fires, most recently on the 13th August 2019. On the 12th March 2009, the courthouse suffered significant damage in a fire and a series of further fires in August 2009 caused further massive damage to the structure, prompting questions into the cause and leaving the future of the building in question. Another fire in 2015 also caused minor damage to the building, which the Fire Service said was started deliberately. North Belfast MP John Finucane said the building was one of the most historic and recognisable in the city. "This deliberate attack on it is wrong and must be condemned," he said.
Alderman Brian Kingston said because of this he "feared that little of the original content will now be left". He commended the firefighters who put an appliance behind the courthouse to protect houses in Lower Shankill estate. The DUP politician added that the building should not be "left in the hands of private developers while it continues to deteriorate and to be damaged".
The Belfast Buildings Trust said it was "deeply saddened by yet another fire" inside the historic building. Development Manager Shane Quinn said it was "hugely troubling," that it may have been started deliberately. "The courthouse's physical history and the personal stories associated with it say so much about Belfast," he said. He added that while the full extent of the damage needed to be assessed he was confident the building could be regenerated. In March 2017, the Grade B+ listed building was bought by Lawrence Kenwright, from the Signature Living Group. Plans were announced to develop the building into a £10m, 77-bed hotel and Belfast City Council approved the plans. However, it was put on the market by Signature Living in 2019.
News Source: BBC News
Listing Details
HB Ref No: HB26/35/006
Date of Construction: 1840 - 1859 Address : The Court-House Crumlin Road Belfast BT14 6AL Townland: None Survey 2: B+ Date of Listing: 04/02/1988 Current Use: Court House Former Use: Court House Conservation Area: No |
Coordinates
OS Map No: 130/9 SW IG Ref: J3297 7529 |
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
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May - 31 Fires & 9 Near Misses
31 May 2020 (15:00*) - Fire guts thatched house in Oxfordshire village of Hornton
A fire has completely gutted a thatched cottage in Hornton but thankfully the occupants were not inside. At least six appliances and specialist units from neighbouring fire services attended the blaze at “Crosby” in Miller's Lane. Neighbours living opposite raised the alarm when they realised the thatched roof was ablaze. It is understood neighbours who saw the fire engulfing the house broke in to ensure that the occupants and their dogs were not inside. They also did their best to form a chain to remove what possessions they could from the cottage.
Fortunately the family was out at the time of the outbreak at approximately 3pm and fire appliances arrived to tackle the blaze soon after. Witnesses said the roof 'went up' first and it took over an hour to get the worst of the fire under control. "There were large flames coming out of the roof and they had big hoses directed on to the roof. Some of the village men helped the firemen to carry the hose reels up the hill. The whole community turned out to help. Neighbours have been doing their best to help those affected," said one. Shocked witnesses indicated the fire started in the thatch, which is tinder dry because of the long-standing lack of rain and hot weather. One said: "The house has been completely burnt out." The village lost electricity for some hours during the firefighting operation.
It is understood a huge amount of damage has been caused by the vast amounts of water used to put out the burning thatch. A villager reported: "Hornton is still reeling from this tragic fire. Nine fire appliances from Banbury, Hook Norton and Kineton arrived with firefighters to extinguish the blaze but by the time they did so, the building was so badly damaged that it may have to be completely rebuilt. A great deal of the damage was caused by water from fire hoses. The fire started at the base of a telegraph pole on the other side of the road. It then spread up the pole at lightning speed because it was coated in flammable bitumen. It then went across to the thatched cottage via a wire at the top. The only consolation is that no one was hurt as the cottage was unoccupied at the time and neighbours were able to salvage some items of sentimental value."
Crosby Cottage was built in the early 18th century and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Banbury Guardian
Fortunately the family was out at the time of the outbreak at approximately 3pm and fire appliances arrived to tackle the blaze soon after. Witnesses said the roof 'went up' first and it took over an hour to get the worst of the fire under control. "There were large flames coming out of the roof and they had big hoses directed on to the roof. Some of the village men helped the firemen to carry the hose reels up the hill. The whole community turned out to help. Neighbours have been doing their best to help those affected," said one. Shocked witnesses indicated the fire started in the thatch, which is tinder dry because of the long-standing lack of rain and hot weather. One said: "The house has been completely burnt out." The village lost electricity for some hours during the firefighting operation.
It is understood a huge amount of damage has been caused by the vast amounts of water used to put out the burning thatch. A villager reported: "Hornton is still reeling from this tragic fire. Nine fire appliances from Banbury, Hook Norton and Kineton arrived with firefighters to extinguish the blaze but by the time they did so, the building was so badly damaged that it may have to be completely rebuilt. A great deal of the damage was caused by water from fire hoses. The fire started at the base of a telegraph pole on the other side of the road. It then spread up the pole at lightning speed because it was coated in flammable bitumen. It then went across to the thatched cottage via a wire at the top. The only consolation is that no one was hurt as the cottage was unoccupied at the time and neighbours were able to salvage some items of sentimental value."
Crosby Cottage was built in the early 18th century and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Banbury Guardian
Entry Name: House 25 Metres South West of Proffitt's House
Listing Date: 26 February 1988 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1216569 English Heritage Legacy ID: 401993 Location: Hornton, Cherwell, Oxfordshire, OX15 County: Oxfordshire District: Cherwell Civil Parish: Hornton Built-Up Area: Hornton Traditional County: Oxfordshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Oxfordshire Church of England Parish: Hornton Church of England Diocese: Oxford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.1024 / 52°6'8"N Longitude: -1.4276 / 1°25'39"W OS Eastings: 439305 OS Northings: 245045 OS Grid: SP393450 Mapcode National: GBR 6QZ.5W7 Mapcode Global: VHBYK.6FN5 |
Near Miss
30 May 2020 (22:50) - Major fire at former Fusion nightclub in Workington
30 May 2020 (22:50) - Major fire at former Fusion nightclub in Workington
Firefighters are still at scene of a major fire which has gutted a former nightclub. Crews were called at about 11pm to the old Fusion Nightclub in Workington. At the height of the blaze eight fire appliances were tackling the flames, including assistance from as far afield as Carlisle. Crews rescued one man from inside the building and used Breathing Apparatus, Hose Reel Jets, Main Jets and Ground Monitors to extinguish the fire. Fire service personnel were in attendance for approximately fifteen hours, and it is now under control according to firefighters, but at its height, there were appliances from Penrith, Workington, Maryport and Carlisle East. It is not known if the rescued man was injured. Homes and businesses had to be evacuated.
Firefighters remain at the scene this morning damping down and ensuring there are no hot spots. A spokesman for Carlisle East fire station said: "Lots of hard work prevented the serious blaze from spreading to adjoining properties." Firefighters at Carlisle West Fire station said that both an aerial ladder platform and a fire engine from Carlisle East fire station, and a pump from Workington fire station remain at the scene. They expect fire crew personnel to be at the scene for most of the day.
The Fusion nightclub was purpose built in 1999 and changed hands several times before it finally closed in 2010. The four-storey building is currently vacant. Planning permission was given by Allerdale council in 2012 to turn the club, and a 5,000sq ft annexe (known as “Flames” bar), into houses. The annexe is a mid 19th century Grade II listed building and is associated with the old Workington Brewery / Matthew Brown Brewery next door, which have been converted to flats. Firefighters prevented the fire spreading to the annexe. Fusion was put on the market with a guide price of £475,000, in 2016.
News Source: News & Star
Firefighters remain at the scene this morning damping down and ensuring there are no hot spots. A spokesman for Carlisle East fire station said: "Lots of hard work prevented the serious blaze from spreading to adjoining properties." Firefighters at Carlisle West Fire station said that both an aerial ladder platform and a fire engine from Carlisle East fire station, and a pump from Workington fire station remain at the scene. They expect fire crew personnel to be at the scene for most of the day.
The Fusion nightclub was purpose built in 1999 and changed hands several times before it finally closed in 2010. The four-storey building is currently vacant. Planning permission was given by Allerdale council in 2012 to turn the club, and a 5,000sq ft annexe (known as “Flames” bar), into houses. The annexe is a mid 19th century Grade II listed building and is associated with the old Workington Brewery / Matthew Brown Brewery next door, which have been converted to flats. Firefighters prevented the fire spreading to the annexe. Fusion was put on the market with a guide price of £475,000, in 2016.
News Source: News & Star
Listing Details
Entry Name: Tower and Adjoining Maltings at Workington Brewery
Listing Date: 13 December 1985 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1138078 English Heritage Legacy ID: 72274 Location: Workington, Allerdale, Cumbria, CA14 County: Cumbria District: Allerdale Civil Parish: Workington Built-Up Area: Workington Traditional County: Cumberland Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cumbria Church of England Parish: Workington St Michael Church of England Diocese: Carlisle |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.6445 / 54°38'40"N Longitude: -3.5441 / 3°32'38"W OS Eastings: 300453 OS Northings: 528807 OS Grid: NY004288 Mapcode National: GBR 3GPQ.HV Mapcode Global: WH5YP.JJK9 |
30 May 2020 (a.m.) - Fire crews called out to hotel blaze near Tenby
Fire crews from Tenby were called out to a fire at the Penally Abbey Hotel this morning. A post on the hotel’s Facebook page says that the fire service has managed to contain the situation. No one was hurt in the fire and fire crews will now be investigating to find out the cause of the blaze. The post continues: “We will be in touch with all of our guests over the coming days. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern.”
The four-star, 18th century Penally Abbey Hotel has been run by husband and wife team Lucas and Melanie Boissevain since 2014. Only the day before the fire, they had posted that they were provisionally planning to re-open the hotel and a limited number of afternoon tea bookings on Saturday 4th July 2020. But the pair announced on the hotel’s website, on the 8th June, that due to the ‘significant amount of damage’ caused by the fire, it was with a ‘very heavy heart’ that the boutique hotel and restaurant will be unable to open at all this summer. The post added: “It has been such a privilege to spend the last 5 years restoring the Abbey to its current beautiful state. Penally Abbey is a Grade II listed Strawberry Hill gothic house and will need the utmost care and precision in the months to come in order to restore it to the level that it deserves. In the coming days and weeks, we shall find a way forward both together as a family and with our team and know that the hotel will return more beautiful and stronger than before. Of that you can be sure.”
The hotel has been closed since the end of March due to Covid-19 restrictions and the duo said they ‘were so looking forward to being able to gradually resume some form of normality’. The post continued: “Please do know that we are so disappointed to not be welcoming you but that we hope that you will come and stay with us again in the hopefully not too distant future.”
This large Grade II listed Georgian country-house was built prior to 1800 and first mentioned in 1803 as a rectory. It is named from its proximity to the ruins traditionally believed to have been part of an abbey. In the 1920s it was owned by the Jameson family, Irish Whiskey distillers. Little remains of the original monastic site except a ruined 12th century chapel in the grounds, called St. Deniol's church. In the early 1800s the ruined chapel became a fernery and later a Victorian folly.
News Source: Western Mail
The four-star, 18th century Penally Abbey Hotel has been run by husband and wife team Lucas and Melanie Boissevain since 2014. Only the day before the fire, they had posted that they were provisionally planning to re-open the hotel and a limited number of afternoon tea bookings on Saturday 4th July 2020. But the pair announced on the hotel’s website, on the 8th June, that due to the ‘significant amount of damage’ caused by the fire, it was with a ‘very heavy heart’ that the boutique hotel and restaurant will be unable to open at all this summer. The post added: “It has been such a privilege to spend the last 5 years restoring the Abbey to its current beautiful state. Penally Abbey is a Grade II listed Strawberry Hill gothic house and will need the utmost care and precision in the months to come in order to restore it to the level that it deserves. In the coming days and weeks, we shall find a way forward both together as a family and with our team and know that the hotel will return more beautiful and stronger than before. Of that you can be sure.”
The hotel has been closed since the end of March due to Covid-19 restrictions and the duo said they ‘were so looking forward to being able to gradually resume some form of normality’. The post continued: “Please do know that we are so disappointed to not be welcoming you but that we hope that you will come and stay with us again in the hopefully not too distant future.”
This large Grade II listed Georgian country-house was built prior to 1800 and first mentioned in 1803 as a rectory. It is named from its proximity to the ruins traditionally believed to have been part of an abbey. In the 1920s it was owned by the Jameson family, Irish Whiskey distillers. Little remains of the original monastic site except a ruined 12th century chapel in the grounds, called St. Deniol's church. In the early 1800s the ruined chapel became a fernery and later a Victorian folly.
News Source: Western Mail
Entry Name: Abbey Hotel
Listing Date: 14 May 1970 Last Amended: 26 April 1996 Grade: II Source: Cadw Source ID: 5998 Building Class: Commercial Location: 150 m N of Penally Church. The house stands in extensive grounds. There is a terrace along the garden front with a crenellated wall. Behind the house is a stable building now converted to guest accom County: Pembrokeshire Community: Penally (Penalun) Community: Penally Locality: Penally Village Built-Up Area: Penally Traditional County: Pembrokeshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.6607 / 51°39'38"N Longitude: -4.7234 / 4°43'24"W OS Eastings: 211734 OS Northings: 199286 OS Grid: SS117992 Mapcode National: GBR GD.SB38 Mapcode Global: VH2PS.2JS7 |
Near Miss
29 May 2020 (00:54) - Gunnersbury Park closed after devastating fire causes major damage to café
29 May 2020 (00:54) - Gunnersbury Park closed after devastating fire causes major damage to café
Firefighters dragged three 19th Century horse-drawn carriages from a serious fire at the Gunnersbury Park Café. Emergency services were called shortly before 1am on Friday (May 29) to reports of a fire at the café in the hugely popular park on the Ealing and Hounslow border. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent around 60 firefighters in eight engines to the fire on Popes Lane and crews had to cut their way into the roof of the building where the fire was burning. Half of the ground floor and most of the roof of a single storey, detached café were damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Peter Wolfenden who was at the scene said: "Road closures were put in place whilst crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and stop it spreading further. The fire was located within the roof of the building and crews used cutting gear to gain access and extinguish the fire. The café has a historic display area and firefighters safely removed three horse-drawn carriages and two bicycles from the eighteenth century from the building."
The Brigade was called at 0054 and the fire was under control by 0426. Fire crews from Acton, Chiswick, Ealing, Richmond and surrounding fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. As a result of the major damage caused to the café the park is going to be closed for most of the weekend.
The café is just 20 metres away from Gunnersbury Park House, known as the “Large Mansion”, which is now Gunnersbury Park Museum. Opened in 1929, the museum is a showcase for local history and archaeology, costume and fine art. Built between 1801 and 1828 for Alexander Copland, the mansion house is Grade II* listed and lies within the Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area.
News Source: London Fire Brigade
Station Commander Peter Wolfenden who was at the scene said: "Road closures were put in place whilst crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and stop it spreading further. The fire was located within the roof of the building and crews used cutting gear to gain access and extinguish the fire. The café has a historic display area and firefighters safely removed three horse-drawn carriages and two bicycles from the eighteenth century from the building."
The Brigade was called at 0054 and the fire was under control by 0426. Fire crews from Acton, Chiswick, Ealing, Richmond and surrounding fire stations were at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. As a result of the major damage caused to the café the park is going to be closed for most of the weekend.
The café is just 20 metres away from Gunnersbury Park House, known as the “Large Mansion”, which is now Gunnersbury Park Museum. Opened in 1929, the museum is a showcase for local history and archaeology, costume and fine art. Built between 1801 and 1828 for Alexander Copland, the mansion house is Grade II* listed and lies within the Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area.
News Source: London Fire Brigade
Entry Name: Gunnersbury Park House - Large Mansion
Listing Date: 21 May 1973 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1358312 English Heritage Legacy ID: 202557 Location: Hounslow, London, W3 County: London District: Hounslow Electoral Ward/Division: Brentford Built-Up Area: Hounslow Traditional County: Middlesex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London Church of England Parish: All Saints Ealing Church of England Diocese: London |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.4996 / 51°29'58"N Longitude: -0.2864 / 0°17'11"W OS Eastings: 519040 OS Northings: 179238 OS Grid: TQ190792 Mapcode National: GBR 7Y.BGH Mapcode Global: VHGQW.ZKFS |
28 May 2020 (20:08) - Police probe as iconic Taunton town centre building damaged in 'deliberate' fire
A police investigation has been launched after an iconic building in Taunton town centre was damaged in a "deliberate" fire. Market House, on Fore Street, was built in the 18th century and is the current home of the Taunton visitor centre and Wildwood restaurant. Three fire engines from Taunton Fire Station were sent to a report of a fire in the Grade II* listed building at around 8pm on Thursday, May 28. Firefighters discovered a fire within the doorway of the three-storey building.
After extinguishing the flames, a fire service spokesman described the fire as "deliberate". Pictures shared on social media show how a window and wall were damaged while items outside have been destroyed. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed today (Friday, May 29) that police officers are looking into the "suspicious" incident. He said: "We were called to reports of a small fire in the doorway of the property at about 8.15pm. The incident is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are continuing." The building lies within the Wellington Conservation Area.
News Source: Somerset Live
After extinguishing the flames, a fire service spokesman described the fire as "deliberate". Pictures shared on social media show how a window and wall were damaged while items outside have been destroyed. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed today (Friday, May 29) that police officers are looking into the "suspicious" incident. He said: "We were called to reports of a small fire in the doorway of the property at about 8.15pm. The incident is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are continuing." The building lies within the Wellington Conservation Area.
News Source: Somerset Live
Entry Name: The Market House
Listing Date: 4 June 1952 Last Amended: 4 July 1975 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1059989 English Heritage Legacy ID: 269839 Location: Somerset West and Taunton, Somerset, TA1 County: Somerset District: Taunton Deane Town: Taunton Deane Electoral Ward/Division: Taunton Manor and Wilton Built-Up Area: Taunton Traditional County: Somerset Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Somerset |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.0146 / 51°0'52"N Longitude: -3.1028 / 3°6'10"W OS Eastings: 322734 OS Northings: 124491 OS Grid: ST227244 Mapcode National: GBR M1.J7S1 Mapcode Global: FRA 46DF.F0Z |
28 May 2020 (13:32) - Firefighters tackling blaze in Great Yarmouth town centre
Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a building in Great Yarmouth’s town centre. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service was called at 1.32pm today (May 28) to the fire at a building, believed to be domestic, on Market Row. Four appliances, as well as an aerial ladder platform, are currently at the scene. East of England Ambulance Service, which sent an ambulance and an ambulance officer vehicle, said their attendance was precautionary and there were no casualties.
A Norfolk Police Spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Market Row, Great Yarmouth at approximately 1.50pm following reports of a building on fire. Police were assisting the fire service ensuring that the public were safe, as well as helping with traffic control and cordons.” Officers closed Hall Quay Junction with Stonecutters Way and Howard Street South. Roads were reopened just after 2.30pm and traffic access allowed. A witness said the fire was in a flat and that everybody was “out and safe”.
It is not known in which building the fire took place, but Market Row is an historic street with several dating from the late 16th or early 17th centuries. A number of these are Listed buildings and the Row lies within the Market Place, Rows and North Quay Conservation Area.
News Source: Great Yarmouth Mercury
A Norfolk Police Spokesperson said: “Officers were called to Market Row, Great Yarmouth at approximately 1.50pm following reports of a building on fire. Police were assisting the fire service ensuring that the public were safe, as well as helping with traffic control and cordons.” Officers closed Hall Quay Junction with Stonecutters Way and Howard Street South. Roads were reopened just after 2.30pm and traffic access allowed. A witness said the fire was in a flat and that everybody was “out and safe”.
It is not known in which building the fire took place, but Market Row is an historic street with several dating from the late 16th or early 17th centuries. A number of these are Listed buildings and the Row lies within the Market Place, Rows and North Quay Conservation Area.
News Source: Great Yarmouth Mercury
Market Row History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Until the 19th century, building was only permitted within Great Yarmouth’s medieval town walls. The limited space dictated that houses were built as closely together as possible, which led to the development of The Rows. Unique to Great Yarmouth, the Rows were a network of 145 very narrow streets which ran parallel to each other. They were so narrow that a special 'Troll Cart' was developed to transport goods along them. Some rows had more than three different names, so in 1804 it was decided to make things easier and give each row a number.
Market Row was one the few rows which never received a number. The row extends from the Market to Howard Street, further to the west. Despite the row being much frequented by pedestrians it remained open for carts as late as 1784, when as the result of a petition of the inhabitants, the corporation ordered one of their old cannons to be put down as a post at the western end. The row was subsequently paved with flagstones and became a favourite location for shops, several dating from the late 16th or early 17th centuries. By 1836, 42 traders are documented to have been established in the row. A passage near the western end now links with Row 46.
A fire, involving the loss of three lives and the destruction of much valuable property, occurred in January 1868 at the house of Mr Frederick Pigg, hosier and boot and shoe manufacturer, Market Row, Yarmouth. Mrs Pigg, in heroically attempting to save her two children, was buried beneath the falling roof of the building, and the charred remains of the mother and infants were found the following day. The value of the property destroyed was about £3,500. (Norfolk Chronicle, 23 January 1868).
The Rows survived reasonably well until the Second World War. The town was heavily bombed, damaging and destroying many buildings. After the war many more were torn down as they were considered to be ‘slums’. They were replaced by new housing estates.
Number 8 Market Row, a 16th Century house and shop, was severely damaged by fire in 1995. Great Yarmouth Borough Council served a 215 Notice and won the case in Magistrate's Court. This legal mechanism can force the repair of a listed building in a Conservation Area if it can be proved that there has been a detriment to said Conservation Area. Although the Borough won the case, the owners had in the meantime set up a company with no assets and then abandoned the building. The Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust purchased the building for £1, and the shortfall in funding between the £140,000 cost of repairs and the eventual value of the building was met by English Heritage, CAPS and a historic building grant from the Borough.
The structural repairs were completed and the upper stories leased to Orwell Housing Association, who provided £40,000 for the residential refurbishment. The Trust was able to fit out the ground floor shop with a Victorian shop front, complete with wooden shutters which were rescued in the 1960’s by Mr. Malcolm Farrow from Edward’s Cockle Shop in Howard Street, next to the old Corn Hall. This was being demolished and Mr. Farrow saved the shop front from the bonfire. The façade was stored by the Council and reused at 8 Market Row under Darren Barker’s supervision, alterations and fitting being undertaken by Martham Joinery at a cost of £10,000, paid for by a HERS grant.
The retail unit was first rented by SeaChange Arts, which ran a small but popular gallery there for several years, displaying the work of local artists. It is now Thomas Burn Jewellers.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Until the 19th century, building was only permitted within Great Yarmouth’s medieval town walls. The limited space dictated that houses were built as closely together as possible, which led to the development of The Rows. Unique to Great Yarmouth, the Rows were a network of 145 very narrow streets which ran parallel to each other. They were so narrow that a special 'Troll Cart' was developed to transport goods along them. Some rows had more than three different names, so in 1804 it was decided to make things easier and give each row a number.
Market Row was one the few rows which never received a number. The row extends from the Market to Howard Street, further to the west. Despite the row being much frequented by pedestrians it remained open for carts as late as 1784, when as the result of a petition of the inhabitants, the corporation ordered one of their old cannons to be put down as a post at the western end. The row was subsequently paved with flagstones and became a favourite location for shops, several dating from the late 16th or early 17th centuries. By 1836, 42 traders are documented to have been established in the row. A passage near the western end now links with Row 46.
A fire, involving the loss of three lives and the destruction of much valuable property, occurred in January 1868 at the house of Mr Frederick Pigg, hosier and boot and shoe manufacturer, Market Row, Yarmouth. Mrs Pigg, in heroically attempting to save her two children, was buried beneath the falling roof of the building, and the charred remains of the mother and infants were found the following day. The value of the property destroyed was about £3,500. (Norfolk Chronicle, 23 January 1868).
The Rows survived reasonably well until the Second World War. The town was heavily bombed, damaging and destroying many buildings. After the war many more were torn down as they were considered to be ‘slums’. They were replaced by new housing estates.
Number 8 Market Row, a 16th Century house and shop, was severely damaged by fire in 1995. Great Yarmouth Borough Council served a 215 Notice and won the case in Magistrate's Court. This legal mechanism can force the repair of a listed building in a Conservation Area if it can be proved that there has been a detriment to said Conservation Area. Although the Borough won the case, the owners had in the meantime set up a company with no assets and then abandoned the building. The Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust purchased the building for £1, and the shortfall in funding between the £140,000 cost of repairs and the eventual value of the building was met by English Heritage, CAPS and a historic building grant from the Borough.
The structural repairs were completed and the upper stories leased to Orwell Housing Association, who provided £40,000 for the residential refurbishment. The Trust was able to fit out the ground floor shop with a Victorian shop front, complete with wooden shutters which were rescued in the 1960’s by Mr. Malcolm Farrow from Edward’s Cockle Shop in Howard Street, next to the old Corn Hall. This was being demolished and Mr. Farrow saved the shop front from the bonfire. The façade was stored by the Council and reused at 8 Market Row under Darren Barker’s supervision, alterations and fitting being undertaken by Martham Joinery at a cost of £10,000, paid for by a HERS grant.
The retail unit was first rented by SeaChange Arts, which ran a small but popular gallery there for several years, displaying the work of local artists. It is now Thomas Burn Jewellers.
27 May 2020 (00:20) - Popular Ayrshire pub set alight as 'callous' firebugs target venue
A popular East Ayrshire pub was targeted by firebugs overnight. The Kings Arms in Fenwick was set ablaze before local residents alerted the fire brigade who managed to prevent any major damage. The Main Road pub was taken over by new owners just weeks before the coronavirus pandemic forced it to close. And now it will need to be worked on to combat any fire damage that may have been caused. They are appealing for anyone who has any information about the fire to come forward.
The owners posted on Facebook saying: "It’s with absolute heartfelt sadness we have to make a post like this. As a lot of you will be aware there was a fire at the back of the pub last night. This was a deliberate attempt to set the pub on fire. There was no major damage done but that could have been a very different story if not for the aid of some residents of the village for seeing this and alerting the emergency services. We cannot think for one minute why someone would attempt this other than a sheer act of callous vandalism and arson. The CID have collected clear cctv footage and some evidence the perpetrators dropped on their departure so it’s within their hands now. If things were not bad enough at this time we do not need the added worry and stress of idiotic acts such as those. This is a major incident for the police and is being treated as such. If anyone can help in any way. No matter how small please contact either ourselves or the police direct. Thank you all and we will see you all soon."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of a fire on Main Road, Fenwick, around 00.20am on Wednesday, 27 May, 2020. Nobody was injured, the fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0073 of 27 May."
The King’s Arms pub / hotel dates back to at least the mid 19th century, as it appears on the 1857 OS map. It lies within the High Fenwick Conservation Area.
News Source: Daily Record
The owners posted on Facebook saying: "It’s with absolute heartfelt sadness we have to make a post like this. As a lot of you will be aware there was a fire at the back of the pub last night. This was a deliberate attempt to set the pub on fire. There was no major damage done but that could have been a very different story if not for the aid of some residents of the village for seeing this and alerting the emergency services. We cannot think for one minute why someone would attempt this other than a sheer act of callous vandalism and arson. The CID have collected clear cctv footage and some evidence the perpetrators dropped on their departure so it’s within their hands now. If things were not bad enough at this time we do not need the added worry and stress of idiotic acts such as those. This is a major incident for the police and is being treated as such. If anyone can help in any way. No matter how small please contact either ourselves or the police direct. Thank you all and we will see you all soon."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of a fire on Main Road, Fenwick, around 00.20am on Wednesday, 27 May, 2020. Nobody was injured, the fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0073 of 27 May."
The King’s Arms pub / hotel dates back to at least the mid 19th century, as it appears on the 1857 OS map. It lies within the High Fenwick Conservation Area.
News Source: Daily Record
26 May 2020 (15:15) - Firefighters respond to fire at derelict Wigan mill
Firefighters have yet again been called into action to tackle a fire at an historic mill building. Several fire crews from across the region were called to the Pagefield Building this afternoon, May 26, to reports of a blaze. Four engines from Wigan, Hindley, and Horwich responded to the calls and spent around 45 minutes tackling the flames. Firefighters were also seen gaining access to the derelict mill via ladders to tackle the fire inside, and acted swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading uncontrollably.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday 26 May, four fire engines from Wigan, Hindley and Horwich fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Mesnes Park Terrace, Wigan. Firefighters arrived quickly and used two hose reels, four breathing apparatus and one 9 metre ladder to extinguish the fire. Crews were in attendance for roughly 45 minutes.”
Wigan firefighters are frequently called out to the historic building to deal with fires and trespassing incidents. Images were later shared to social media showing a group of young people on the roof of the building and throwing objects to the ground, prompting frustration from those who have long campaigned for increase security at the abandoned mill.
Coun George Davies for Wigan Central said: “As councillor for this area, I am disgusted with these teenagers who are targeting our residents living only yards from this disused building. The council and the police have a duty to protect my residents, but why are these youngsters getting away and why have they not got an increase of CCTV in the empty building? And again fires bring danger and the protection of the emergency services must be a priority. Now everyone must be involved to stop these dangerous acts.”
Coun Davies has called for drastic action to be taken to stop such incidents, which he said could eventually prove fatal if gone unchecked. In May 2019, he urged the council to tear the building down after a huge blaze tore through the roof of the Kenyon Road building, the worst arson attack to hit the mill, which was believed to have been started deliberately by youths who broke into the restricted site. On that occasion, firefighters had to risk their own lives by entering the inferno to make sure nobody was still inside, and police officers had to go door-to-door, urging residents to keep their windows and doors closed because of the acrid smoke.
The Pagefield Building’s huge chimney has also become a hotspot for thrill-seeking teenagers in recent months. Heart-in-mouth images have captured the youngsters, most of whom are in their late teens, dicing with death by climbing the 196ft off-limits chimney. Some have even been filmed climbing over the flimsy railing and hanging by one arm. Wigan Council has in the past said it is in ongoing talks with the owners about its future use and impressing on them the importance of maintaining tight security.
Pagefield Mill, formerly known as Rylands Mill, was built in 1864 for Manchester's first millionaire and textiles businessman John Rylands, who later had the city centre library named in his honour. The building is Grade II listed.
News Source: Wigan Today
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday 26 May, four fire engines from Wigan, Hindley and Horwich fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Mesnes Park Terrace, Wigan. Firefighters arrived quickly and used two hose reels, four breathing apparatus and one 9 metre ladder to extinguish the fire. Crews were in attendance for roughly 45 minutes.”
Wigan firefighters are frequently called out to the historic building to deal with fires and trespassing incidents. Images were later shared to social media showing a group of young people on the roof of the building and throwing objects to the ground, prompting frustration from those who have long campaigned for increase security at the abandoned mill.
Coun George Davies for Wigan Central said: “As councillor for this area, I am disgusted with these teenagers who are targeting our residents living only yards from this disused building. The council and the police have a duty to protect my residents, but why are these youngsters getting away and why have they not got an increase of CCTV in the empty building? And again fires bring danger and the protection of the emergency services must be a priority. Now everyone must be involved to stop these dangerous acts.”
Coun Davies has called for drastic action to be taken to stop such incidents, which he said could eventually prove fatal if gone unchecked. In May 2019, he urged the council to tear the building down after a huge blaze tore through the roof of the Kenyon Road building, the worst arson attack to hit the mill, which was believed to have been started deliberately by youths who broke into the restricted site. On that occasion, firefighters had to risk their own lives by entering the inferno to make sure nobody was still inside, and police officers had to go door-to-door, urging residents to keep their windows and doors closed because of the acrid smoke.
The Pagefield Building’s huge chimney has also become a hotspot for thrill-seeking teenagers in recent months. Heart-in-mouth images have captured the youngsters, most of whom are in their late teens, dicing with death by climbing the 196ft off-limits chimney. Some have even been filmed climbing over the flimsy railing and hanging by one arm. Wigan Council has in the past said it is in ongoing talks with the owners about its future use and impressing on them the importance of maintaining tight security.
Pagefield Mill, formerly known as Rylands Mill, was built in 1864 for Manchester's first millionaire and textiles businessman John Rylands, who later had the city centre library named in his honour. The building is Grade II listed.
News Source: Wigan Today
Listing Details
Entry Name: Pagefield Building of Wigan College of Technology
Listing Date: 4 November 1996 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1384455 English Heritage Legacy ID: 484889 Location: Wigan, WN1 County: Wigan Electoral Ward/Division: Wigan Central Built-Up Area: Wigan Traditional County: Lancashire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater Manchester Church of England Parish: Wigan St Michael and All Angels Church of England Diocese: Liverpool |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.5542 / 53°33'15"N Longitude: -2.6372 / 2°38'13"W OS Eastings: 357885 OS Northings: 406585 OS Grid: SD578065 Mapcode National: GBR BW0B.VN Mapcode Global: WH97R.GXFN Plus Code: 9C5VH937+M4 |
Near Miss
26 May 2020 (12:30*) - Sheffield pub worker in induced coma after tragic accident at gin distillery
26 May 2020 (12:30*) - Sheffield pub worker in induced coma after tragic accident at gin distillery
A Sheffield pub worker remains critically ill after being badly burned in a tragic accident at a gin distillery. Paul Harrison, assistant manager at The Commercial on Station Road in Chapeltown, was working in Sheffield Distillery at the back of the pub when he suffered his terrible injuries last Tuesday, May 26. The 33-year-old was making some gin when alcohol sprayed from the still and caught fire, leaving him with first and second degree burns.
Speaking on Monday, June 1, the pub’s owner Paul Menzies told how Mr Harrison remained at the specialist burns unit in Wakefield to which he was transferred from the Northern General Hospital. “He’s being very well looked after and he remains in a critical but stable condition. They’ve put him in an induced coma, he’s on a ventilator and they’re doing skin grafts but they’re quite happy with his progress,” said Mr Menzies. “It was an awful accident in which some volatile liquid sprayed from the still and caught fire. We’re all thinking of Paul and hope he makes a good recovery, and we’re grateful for all the messages of support people have been sending via Facebook.”
Mr Menzies added that the cause of the accident was not known at this stage but an investigation had been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The distillery was closed following the tragedy and Mr Menzies said the pub was ‘starting the process’ of getting it up and running agin but that could take some time.”
The Commercial was built in 1890 by the long-closed Strout's Brewery.
News Source: The Star
Speaking on Monday, June 1, the pub’s owner Paul Menzies told how Mr Harrison remained at the specialist burns unit in Wakefield to which he was transferred from the Northern General Hospital. “He’s being very well looked after and he remains in a critical but stable condition. They’ve put him in an induced coma, he’s on a ventilator and they’re doing skin grafts but they’re quite happy with his progress,” said Mr Menzies. “It was an awful accident in which some volatile liquid sprayed from the still and caught fire. We’re all thinking of Paul and hope he makes a good recovery, and we’re grateful for all the messages of support people have been sending via Facebook.”
Mr Menzies added that the cause of the accident was not known at this stage but an investigation had been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The distillery was closed following the tragedy and Mr Menzies said the pub was ‘starting the process’ of getting it up and running agin but that could take some time.”
The Commercial was built in 1890 by the long-closed Strout's Brewery.
News Source: The Star
26 May 2020 (01:13) - Crews tackle blaze at Grade II listed building in Derby.
A large fire has ripped through a Grade II listed building in Derby. Firefighters have been tackling the blaze at Friar Gate Goods Yard, in Stafford Street, since being called at 01:13 BST. Smoke has been seen over the city and crews are using water from the nearby Markeaton Brook to douse the fire. The fire service said no-one was reported to have been inside the building, which has been derelict for some time. Dramatic pictures show huge flames inside the building. Police have urged people to avoid the area and keep windows closed, and tweeted: "We've just caught people trying to get into the site to have a look." Stafford Street, Uttoxeter New Road, Agard Street, Friar Gate and Great Northern Road have been closed. At 8am, two firefighters were on an aerial ladder platform damping down.
In March, planning permission was granted to build a new school on the land of Friar Gate Goods Yard, near to the bonded warehouse. The school will occupy nine acres of the 20-acre site, off Great Northern Road. However, it will not include the Grade II listed bonded warehouse on the other side. The large secondary school, which will be named Derby Cathedral School, was finally given the green light after several months.
A resident who didn’t want to be named said: “It’s absolutely tragic what’s happened. I’ve known this building for 60 years and cannot believe what it has become. I’ve seen pictures of the fire on Facebook. It’s shocking to see.”
Firefighters and police officers looking into the blaze have confirmed that it was started deliberately.
The warehouse has been derelict for 50 years at a key entry point to Derby city centre and is missing most of its roof. But property developer Clowes, which owns the goods yard site, has said previously there is hope it will be restored. The bonded warehouse was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1878 and formed part of the infrastructure around Friar Gate station. Services stopped operating from the station in 1963 – and from the goods yard in 1968. Planning was granted to Clowes in October 2011 for 140 homes, offices, cafés and shops, while turning the warehouse into a supermarket. But, in June 2015, the firm revealed a downturn in financial fortunes for Britain’s supermarkets had prevented progress. In 2017 national architecture charity the Victorian Society included The Great Northern Railway Warehouse on its 2017 top-10 endangered buildings list.
News Source: Nottingham Live
In March, planning permission was granted to build a new school on the land of Friar Gate Goods Yard, near to the bonded warehouse. The school will occupy nine acres of the 20-acre site, off Great Northern Road. However, it will not include the Grade II listed bonded warehouse on the other side. The large secondary school, which will be named Derby Cathedral School, was finally given the green light after several months.
A resident who didn’t want to be named said: “It’s absolutely tragic what’s happened. I’ve known this building for 60 years and cannot believe what it has become. I’ve seen pictures of the fire on Facebook. It’s shocking to see.”
Firefighters and police officers looking into the blaze have confirmed that it was started deliberately.
The warehouse has been derelict for 50 years at a key entry point to Derby city centre and is missing most of its roof. But property developer Clowes, which owns the goods yard site, has said previously there is hope it will be restored. The bonded warehouse was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1878 and formed part of the infrastructure around Friar Gate station. Services stopped operating from the station in 1963 – and from the goods yard in 1968. Planning was granted to Clowes in October 2011 for 140 homes, offices, cafés and shops, while turning the warehouse into a supermarket. But, in June 2015, the firm revealed a downturn in financial fortunes for Britain’s supermarkets had prevented progress. In 2017 national architecture charity the Victorian Society included The Great Northern Railway Warehouse on its 2017 top-10 endangered buildings list.
News Source: Nottingham Live
Entry Name: Railway Warehouse
Listing Date: 5 September 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1230231 English Heritage Legacy ID: 405121 Location: Derby, DE1 County: City of Derby Electoral Ward/Division: Abbey Built-Up Area: Derby Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Derby St Luke Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9221 / 52°55'19"N Longitude: -1.4872 / 1°29'14"W OS Eastings: 434571 OS Northings: 336199 OS Grid: SK345361 Mapcode National: GBR PHF.3V Mapcode Global: WHDGT.4T16 |
Near Miss
25 May 2020 (a.m.) - Question marks over derelict Derbyshire pub after fire
25 May 2020 (a.m.) - Question marks over derelict Derbyshire pub after fire
Question marks remain over when a derelict Derbyshire pub will be properly restored after a fire in its grounds put it further at risk. The Grade II listed Lady in Grey pub and hotel in Wilne Lane, Shardlow, has been left vacant since 2008. South Derbyshire District Council had approved plans to turn the canal-side property into a five-bed house in 2012 but since then nothing has been done to bring the building or wider site back into use. Before that, plans to build three houses in the grounds of the former pub and hotel were refused.
A fire broke out at the site on Monday, May 25, with Derbyshire firefighters called to put out the blaze. It said the fire was not within the property but waste in the grounds was set alight. Councillor Neil Atkin, a member of the district council and Derbyshire County Council, was told the building had become “unsafe” due to further damage from the fire. The district council says, following inspections, this is not the case. Cllr Atkin was not available for further comment. He said earlier: “Bungling builders left a bonfire burning overnight and a fire was discovered at the listed building – which has been the subject of scrutiny by the local authority, whom have served several enforcement notices in the past to get this building restored.”
Councillor Lisa Brown, chairman of the district council’s planning committee, said: “Our enforcement officers have carried out an inspection following a fire at the Lady in Grey in Shardlow. It appears that waste material in the grounds was set alight. Although the Grade II listed building is run-down, it does not appear to have sustained any further damage in the fire. The state of the building is an ongoing matter and our officers are taking necessary and appropriate action in order to ensure the owners of the building secure its long term future.”
The Lady in Grey was built in the 1770s as the home of the Soresby family. It was listed in 1967 and was latterly a well-known restaurant, Thai Kitchen. The name Lady in Grey is said to refer to a ghost searching for her mother’s jewels which were bequeathed to her but were buried by her jealous sisters. Staff and customers in its restaurant days reported an occasional feeling of someone pushing past them, and a former resident once stepped in to the walk-in freezer for a midnight snack and saw the door shut on him. Fortunately his desperate cries reached his wife upstairs. Both were convinced the door could not have moved on its own. In the 1890s, a Shardlow lady is said to have encountered a strange man wearing immaculate evening dress, but without a head, in her entrance hall.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
A fire broke out at the site on Monday, May 25, with Derbyshire firefighters called to put out the blaze. It said the fire was not within the property but waste in the grounds was set alight. Councillor Neil Atkin, a member of the district council and Derbyshire County Council, was told the building had become “unsafe” due to further damage from the fire. The district council says, following inspections, this is not the case. Cllr Atkin was not available for further comment. He said earlier: “Bungling builders left a bonfire burning overnight and a fire was discovered at the listed building – which has been the subject of scrutiny by the local authority, whom have served several enforcement notices in the past to get this building restored.”
Councillor Lisa Brown, chairman of the district council’s planning committee, said: “Our enforcement officers have carried out an inspection following a fire at the Lady in Grey in Shardlow. It appears that waste material in the grounds was set alight. Although the Grade II listed building is run-down, it does not appear to have sustained any further damage in the fire. The state of the building is an ongoing matter and our officers are taking necessary and appropriate action in order to ensure the owners of the building secure its long term future.”
The Lady in Grey was built in the 1770s as the home of the Soresby family. It was listed in 1967 and was latterly a well-known restaurant, Thai Kitchen. The name Lady in Grey is said to refer to a ghost searching for her mother’s jewels which were bequeathed to her but were buried by her jealous sisters. Staff and customers in its restaurant days reported an occasional feeling of someone pushing past them, and a former resident once stepped in to the walk-in freezer for a midnight snack and saw the door shut on him. Fortunately his desperate cries reached his wife upstairs. Both were convinced the door could not have moved on its own. In the 1890s, a Shardlow lady is said to have encountered a strange man wearing immaculate evening dress, but without a head, in her entrance hall.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
Listing Details
Entry Name: The Lady in Grey
Listing Date: 10 November 1967 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1205393 English Heritage Legacy ID: 83207 Location: Shardlow and Great Wilne, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire, DE72 County: Derbyshire District: South Derbyshire Civil Parish: Shardlow and Great Wilne Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Shardlow and Great Wilne St James Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.8686 / 52°52'7"N Longitude: -1.3422 / 1°20'31"W OS Eastings: 444375 OS Northings: 330330 OS Grid: SK443303 Mapcode National: GBR 7H4.3H3 Mapcode Global: WHDH8.C525 |
24 May 2020 (07:33) - Fire breaks out at Northern Quarter tower block
Fire crews are tackling a fire at a tower block in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Smoke billowed from The Lighthouse on Joiner Street - off Church Street - as flames tore through a section of the building this morning (Sunday). Firefighters were seen battling the flames from an aerial platform. City centre police said on Twitter: "We are currently dealing with an incident on Church Street, Northern Quarter. There are road closures in place on High Street, Church Street and surrounding side streets. Metrolink services are also affected."
There were reports of people in the building being 'woken up with pots and pans' after the fire started - and 'screaming' in the street below. One resident lives opposite the Lighthouse building and was woken at 7.30am to the sound of a Tesco security guard shouting. He said: “I woke up and saw the security guard from Tesco screaming at the top of his lungs. I was a bit shaken up at first but then I saw the fire. I have never seen someone scream so much in my life, it was pretty incredible. He was shouting ‘wake up, get out the building’ for about ten minutes until the fire crews arrived. At first it was just smoke and we couldn’t really tell where it was coming from, then we noticed the fire on the balcony and it just bigger and bigger. He definitely helped people. People in the building quite quickly started packing up their things and getting out of the building with their pets. If it wasn’t for him it could have gone completely unnoticed. It was outside at 7.30am on a Sunday - it could have been a lot worse.”
Crews from Broughton, Philips Park, Gorton, Salford and Manchester Central stations are at the scene. The alarm was raised at 7.33am. It is believed the fire started on a balcony roughly half way up the building and spread into the building. Crews concentrated their efforts on the fourth and fifth floors. People in buildings nearby were asked to keep their doors and windows shut. It is understood between 60 and 70 people left the building after it was evacuated. Many took shelter in the Arndale shopping centre.
In a statement at 9.22am, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are reducing our presence at the scene - the Church Street fire is out. Praise goes to the incredibly swift and professional actions of our firefighters. Thanks too to colleagues from GMP, who assisted with the evacuation and residents’ safe social distancing.” At 9.40, Manchester councillors said most residents were back in their homes.Those who can’t return are being put up at the Aparthotel next to the residential block.
The Lighthouse is the tallest residential block in the Northern Quarter area completed in 2008. The lower floors are an old 1920s building but above is a new modern skyscraper. It was originally known as Pall Mall House when it was built in 1928 as a wholesale warehouse by the Pall Mall Property Company to designs by Jones, Francis and Dalrymple. It originally stood ten storeys high and was T-shaped in plan. It had a giant classically styled frontage with a glass curtain from the second to the fifth floor. It later became the Coliseum Shopping Centre. It lies within the Smithfield Conservation Area.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
There were reports of people in the building being 'woken up with pots and pans' after the fire started - and 'screaming' in the street below. One resident lives opposite the Lighthouse building and was woken at 7.30am to the sound of a Tesco security guard shouting. He said: “I woke up and saw the security guard from Tesco screaming at the top of his lungs. I was a bit shaken up at first but then I saw the fire. I have never seen someone scream so much in my life, it was pretty incredible. He was shouting ‘wake up, get out the building’ for about ten minutes until the fire crews arrived. At first it was just smoke and we couldn’t really tell where it was coming from, then we noticed the fire on the balcony and it just bigger and bigger. He definitely helped people. People in the building quite quickly started packing up their things and getting out of the building with their pets. If it wasn’t for him it could have gone completely unnoticed. It was outside at 7.30am on a Sunday - it could have been a lot worse.”
Crews from Broughton, Philips Park, Gorton, Salford and Manchester Central stations are at the scene. The alarm was raised at 7.33am. It is believed the fire started on a balcony roughly half way up the building and spread into the building. Crews concentrated their efforts on the fourth and fifth floors. People in buildings nearby were asked to keep their doors and windows shut. It is understood between 60 and 70 people left the building after it was evacuated. Many took shelter in the Arndale shopping centre.
In a statement at 9.22am, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are reducing our presence at the scene - the Church Street fire is out. Praise goes to the incredibly swift and professional actions of our firefighters. Thanks too to colleagues from GMP, who assisted with the evacuation and residents’ safe social distancing.” At 9.40, Manchester councillors said most residents were back in their homes.Those who can’t return are being put up at the Aparthotel next to the residential block.
The Lighthouse is the tallest residential block in the Northern Quarter area completed in 2008. The lower floors are an old 1920s building but above is a new modern skyscraper. It was originally known as Pall Mall House when it was built in 1928 as a wholesale warehouse by the Pall Mall Property Company to designs by Jones, Francis and Dalrymple. It originally stood ten storeys high and was T-shaped in plan. It had a giant classically styled frontage with a glass curtain from the second to the fifth floor. It later became the Coliseum Shopping Centre. It lies within the Smithfield Conservation Area.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
22 May 2020 (11:03) - Emergency services at huge house fire in Kingsteignton
Emergency services are at the scene of a major house fire in Kingsteignton this morning. A video posted on Twitter shows the fire raging and flames burning through the roof of the building. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) confirmed that it received the call 11.03am. Newton Abbot Fire crews could see smoke and flames from the roof as they headed there. The partly-thatched roof had collapsed before they arrived. They requested five pumps and aerial platform as they headed there because of the seriousness of the fire." DSFRS have also confirmed that all persons are accounted for and are clear of building.
At 12.20pm, an update from DSFRS said: "Steady progress being made, Aerial making good progress in fighting fire in roof. Two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, two main jets in use.” Gas and electric were discontinued at the property at approximately 12:50, as firefighters continued to tackle the fire with breathing apparatus wearers in use. A meeting was held with police, ambulance and fire and western power making efforts to isolate overhead external cables to property. Just after 1.15pm, DSFRS confirmed that a police drone was being used to assist in finding hotspots in the fire to assist with damping down."
The building, Higher Mills, is in one of oldest parts of the village. It is a Grade II listed late 18th century watermill and a remodelling of an earlier building. It sits beside the leat and Tyson Springs water was bottled there. Reports from the scene state that fire crews saved the adjoining Millhouse cottage, although it has water damage. The mill lies within Kingsteignton Conservation Area.
News Source: Devon Live
At 12.20pm, an update from DSFRS said: "Steady progress being made, Aerial making good progress in fighting fire in roof. Two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, two main jets in use.” Gas and electric were discontinued at the property at approximately 12:50, as firefighters continued to tackle the fire with breathing apparatus wearers in use. A meeting was held with police, ambulance and fire and western power making efforts to isolate overhead external cables to property. Just after 1.15pm, DSFRS confirmed that a police drone was being used to assist in finding hotspots in the fire to assist with damping down."
The building, Higher Mills, is in one of oldest parts of the village. It is a Grade II listed late 18th century watermill and a remodelling of an earlier building. It sits beside the leat and Tyson Springs water was bottled there. Reports from the scene state that fire crews saved the adjoining Millhouse cottage, although it has water damage. The mill lies within Kingsteignton Conservation Area.
News Source: Devon Live
Entry Name: Higher Mill and Millhouse
Listing Date: 21 June 1977 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1334256 English Heritage Legacy ID: 85386 Location: Kingsteignton, Teignbridge, Devon, TQ12 County: Devon District: Teignbridge Civil Parish: Kingsteignton Built-Up Area: Kingsteignton Traditional County: Devon Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Devon |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.5484 / 50°32'54"N Longitude: -3.5938 / 3°35'37"W OS Eastings: 287175 OS Northings: 73281 OS Grid: SX871732 Mapcode National: GBR QS.BSD3 Mapcode Global: FRA 37CM.1QR |
Near Miss
22 May 2020 (03:00*) - Northumberland based charity faces fire setback amidst Covid-19
22 May 2020 (03:00*) - Northumberland based charity faces fire setback amidst Covid-19
In the early hours of Friday the 22nd May, the management team from not-for-profit Blyth Star Enterprises, based in Blyth, Northumberland, were notified of a fire at one of their buildings, The Old Chandlery. The occupied building’s exterior yard space was on fire, with both the fire brigade and police in attendance. Thankfully the fire was contained in a timely manner, with no injuries reported due to residents within the area evacuating safely. The incident is now under investigation and both staff and service users from Blyth Star Enterprises have been praised by the police and fire brigade, for their effective, calm and swift actions. There’s some significant damage to sheds that were used for storage and smoke damage throughout the yard.
CEO Gordon Moore MBE said: “We’re really relieved that the incident was contained quickly and that no one was hurt and are very grateful to the emergency services, both the police and fire brigade, for their swift response and handling of the situation. I’m incredibly proud of the attitude and actions of both our service users and staff who ensured there was a swift, calm and socially distanced evacuation, as well as ensuring that people once outside were warm and comfortable. This is an incredibly inconvenient and saddening incident that we can only hope was accidental. Covid-19 has put a lot of stress, pressure and uncertainty on many people within Blyth and to add the additional strain of your home potentially being up in flames is just unthinkable. I have every faith that we’ll pull together to fix the damage and continue supporting one another through this period of uncertainty. I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped our charity continue to function and of our service users who, despite how hard the lockdown has been, have remained in high spirits.”
Staff and volunteers from the Blyth Star Enterprises team have been hard at word ensuring that service users and vulnerable people within Blyth and the surrounding areas are cared for. This has included several kind acts such as the preparation and delivery of fresh meals, groceries and pharmacy items, along with regular phone calls and online interaction to help people combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. The charity is dedicated to helping those whose lives are impacted by learning difficulties and mental ill-health.
Also known as The Chandlers Warehouse, this building is Locally Listed and is a remarkably attractive example of a building type that would have been part of the working life of the area when it was built around 1900. Its importance is elevated by virtue of its rarity and the restored shopfront located on its north east corner. Built in brick, the east elevation is dominated by a substantial Dutch Gable and large arched windows that create a frontage that was designed to impress. It is included within the Blyth Heritage Conservation Area.
News Source: Charity Today
CEO Gordon Moore MBE said: “We’re really relieved that the incident was contained quickly and that no one was hurt and are very grateful to the emergency services, both the police and fire brigade, for their swift response and handling of the situation. I’m incredibly proud of the attitude and actions of both our service users and staff who ensured there was a swift, calm and socially distanced evacuation, as well as ensuring that people once outside were warm and comfortable. This is an incredibly inconvenient and saddening incident that we can only hope was accidental. Covid-19 has put a lot of stress, pressure and uncertainty on many people within Blyth and to add the additional strain of your home potentially being up in flames is just unthinkable. I have every faith that we’ll pull together to fix the damage and continue supporting one another through this period of uncertainty. I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped our charity continue to function and of our service users who, despite how hard the lockdown has been, have remained in high spirits.”
Staff and volunteers from the Blyth Star Enterprises team have been hard at word ensuring that service users and vulnerable people within Blyth and the surrounding areas are cared for. This has included several kind acts such as the preparation and delivery of fresh meals, groceries and pharmacy items, along with regular phone calls and online interaction to help people combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. The charity is dedicated to helping those whose lives are impacted by learning difficulties and mental ill-health.
Also known as The Chandlers Warehouse, this building is Locally Listed and is a remarkably attractive example of a building type that would have been part of the working life of the area when it was built around 1900. Its importance is elevated by virtue of its rarity and the restored shopfront located on its north east corner. Built in brick, the east elevation is dominated by a substantial Dutch Gable and large arched windows that create a frontage that was designed to impress. It is included within the Blyth Heritage Conservation Area.
News Source: Charity Today
21 May 2020 (17:07) - Animals killed in four-hour horror blaze at pet shop in Sheerness
A fire which took hold of a pet shop in Sheerness for four hours on Thursday (May 21) has tragically claimed the lives of animals inside. The Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police were called to the blaze at Cuddles 'n' Bubbles pet shop on Broadway at 5.07pm.
In a statement, they said: "Six fire engines attended and crews wore breathing apparatus while using hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze on the ground floor. A smoke curtain was also used the stop the flames from spreading. The upper floors, which are used as residential dwellings, were cleared of smoke using high pressured fans." The fire was dealt with by 9.08pm. They added: "While crews were able to save some of the animals, sadly there was some loss of life. No other casualties were reported. The cause of the blaze is currently not known."
Lorraine St John, from the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service which is based in the town, confirmed there had been many casualties but it was not known exactly how many animals have died. She said the team of seven had recovered many different animals from the shop including tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, budgies, rats and a blue-tongued skink. "It's all being controlled by the fire service at the moment. We've managed to get out some animals that were alive. We think we've lost all the small birds, like the finches." Many of the animals died as a result of smoke inhalation, Ms St John said. She added oxygen treatment had been given to the rescued animals, who had "perked up" since being looked after. They will be cared for overnight before being taken back to the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service to continue recovering.
Well wishers have been posting on the shop's Facebook page this evening sending their best. "Just came home from work and saw the store up in smoke. I hope everyone is safe," said one commenter, while another added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all at Cuddles and Bubbles, hoping the casualties are minimal."
The building is part of a Georgian terraced row, built in about 1830. The terrace is Grade II listed.
News Source: Kent Live
In a statement, they said: "Six fire engines attended and crews wore breathing apparatus while using hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze on the ground floor. A smoke curtain was also used the stop the flames from spreading. The upper floors, which are used as residential dwellings, were cleared of smoke using high pressured fans." The fire was dealt with by 9.08pm. They added: "While crews were able to save some of the animals, sadly there was some loss of life. No other casualties were reported. The cause of the blaze is currently not known."
Lorraine St John, from the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service which is based in the town, confirmed there had been many casualties but it was not known exactly how many animals have died. She said the team of seven had recovered many different animals from the shop including tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, budgies, rats and a blue-tongued skink. "It's all being controlled by the fire service at the moment. We've managed to get out some animals that were alive. We think we've lost all the small birds, like the finches." Many of the animals died as a result of smoke inhalation, Ms St John said. She added oxygen treatment had been given to the rescued animals, who had "perked up" since being looked after. They will be cared for overnight before being taken back to the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service to continue recovering.
Well wishers have been posting on the shop's Facebook page this evening sending their best. "Just came home from work and saw the store up in smoke. I hope everyone is safe," said one commenter, while another added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all at Cuddles and Bubbles, hoping the casualties are minimal."
The building is part of a Georgian terraced row, built in about 1830. The terrace is Grade II listed.
News Source: Kent Live
Entry Name: 1-23, THE BROADWAY
Listing Date: 30 June 1978 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1259823 English Heritage Legacy ID: 443870 Location: Swale, Kent, ME12 County: Kent District: Swale Electoral Ward/Division: Sheerness Parish: Non Civil Parish Built-Up Area: Sheerness Traditional County: Kent Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Kent |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.4401 / 51°26'24"N Longitude: 0.7627 / 0°45'45"E OS Eastings: 592103 OS Northings: 174851 OS Grid: TQ921748 Mapcode National: GBR RS2.MN5 Mapcode Global: VHKJ7.52KC |
19 May 2020 (18:41) - Fire at Castlegate flat in York city centre
The fire brigade were called to a blaze at a building in York city centre last night. Crews from Acomb and York were called to a building on fire in Castlegate at about 6.40pm.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We were called to commercial and residential premises in the Castlegate area of York following reports of smoke seen coming from a window. On arrival crews found a fire on the second floor of the premises. Crews entered the premises using Breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets and thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire. All occupants were accounted for."
The fire was in the flat above the e-mist shop. This is a Grade II listed building at No. 7 Castlegate which lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area. It was built in the mid 18th century
News Source: The York Press
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We were called to commercial and residential premises in the Castlegate area of York following reports of smoke seen coming from a window. On arrival crews found a fire on the second floor of the premises. Crews entered the premises using Breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets and thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire. All occupants were accounted for."
The fire was in the flat above the e-mist shop. This is a Grade II listed building at No. 7 Castlegate which lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area. It was built in the mid 18th century
News Source: The York Press
Listing Details
Entry Name: 7, Castlegate
Listing Date: 1 July 1968 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1259332 English Heritage Legacy ID: 463006 Location: York, YO1 County: York Electoral Ward/Division: Guildhall Built-Up Area: York Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): North Yorkshire Church of England Parish: York All Saints, Pavement Church of England Diocese: York |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.9574 / 53°57'26"N Longitude: -1.0812 / 1°4'52"W OS Eastings: 460388 OS Northings: 451647 OS Grid: SE603516 Mapcode National: GBR NQWP.Q4 Mapcode Global: WHFC3.CSDK |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The house was initially of two storeys and heightened to three storeys in 1789, the date on a rainwater head. This and the adjoining Nos. 9, 11 belonged to the Ewbanks, chemists.
An earlier house on the site had belonged to Peter Whitton, chemist, Lord Mayor in 1728. George Ewbank was living in the parish of St. Mary, Castlegate, by 1738 when his son George was baptised, and in Castlegate itself certainly by 1748 when he advertised for an apprentice. He had moved to Monkgate by 1774 and died in 1787. George Ewbank junior continued in Castlegate till his death in 1795. Dr. William White's plan of 1782 shows Nos. 9, 11 as occupied by George Ewbank and No. 7 as Mr. Ewbank's warehouse. No. 7 was built with a two-bay front. The ground floor is now a modern shop front; on the first floor, a bay window has replaced the original two windows.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The house was initially of two storeys and heightened to three storeys in 1789, the date on a rainwater head. This and the adjoining Nos. 9, 11 belonged to the Ewbanks, chemists.
An earlier house on the site had belonged to Peter Whitton, chemist, Lord Mayor in 1728. George Ewbank was living in the parish of St. Mary, Castlegate, by 1738 when his son George was baptised, and in Castlegate itself certainly by 1748 when he advertised for an apprentice. He had moved to Monkgate by 1774 and died in 1787. George Ewbank junior continued in Castlegate till his death in 1795. Dr. William White's plan of 1782 shows Nos. 9, 11 as occupied by George Ewbank and No. 7 as Mr. Ewbank's warehouse. No. 7 was built with a two-bay front. The ground floor is now a modern shop front; on the first floor, a bay window has replaced the original two windows.
17 May 2020 (18:09) - More arson attacks at former RAF Upwood site
In the last month, arsonists have targeted the former RAF Upwood site, six times and the fire service believes it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. The most recent fire happened on Sunday evening (May 17) at 18.09. More than 40 firefighters were called to what was described a “well developed fire” that had spread to the roof of a derelict building. Crews from Ramsey, Chatteris, Huntingdon, Sawtry, Dogsthorpe, Stanground, Yaxley and Manea all attended the incident. A further fire in the open involving rubbish was then found in another part of the site. The crews extinguished the fires using hose reels and jets before returning to their stations by 11pm.
Fire commander Phil Thacker, manager at Ramsey Fire Station, said: “We were also called on Friday evening, May 15, to extinguish another fire and police officers stopped some people who were spotted at the scene. Police told us they were from Boston in Lincolnshire. So these people had actually travelled a long way to visit this site. It is so hard to pinpoint one particular group who maybe starting these fires, as there is no CCTV in place on the site or anyone watching the site. I believe it is a mixture of people and groups who are committing these arson crimes.”
The former RAF Upwood site has roots going back to the First World War. It was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps, but is best known as a Second World War bomber base.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
Fire commander Phil Thacker, manager at Ramsey Fire Station, said: “We were also called on Friday evening, May 15, to extinguish another fire and police officers stopped some people who were spotted at the scene. Police told us they were from Boston in Lincolnshire. So these people had actually travelled a long way to visit this site. It is so hard to pinpoint one particular group who maybe starting these fires, as there is no CCTV in place on the site or anyone watching the site. I believe it is a mixture of people and groups who are committing these arson crimes.”
The former RAF Upwood site has roots going back to the First World War. It was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps, but is best known as a Second World War bomber base.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service
17 May 2020 (16:36) - Congleton fire: Emergency services called to blaze as plumes of smoke billow into air
Emergency services have been called to a tackle a blaze at a property in Congleton. A number of fire crews have been spotted attending the incident on the scene in West Street. The blaze is believed to have taken hold of a derelict property. Video from the scene shows a large amount of smoke billowing into the air from a property close to the street. Police are also in attendance and have been assisting crews from Congleton Fire Station. A number of roads have been closed in the area - including the junction with Antrobus Street. Residents have been urged to avoid the area if possible and keep all windows and doors closed.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Six fire engines were called to a fire at a derelict building in West Street, Congleton at 4.36pm. Two from Congleton, one from Alsager, one from Crewe, one from Lymm, one from Holmes Chapel and an aerial appliance attended. Firefighters were called following reports of smoke coming from the chimney of a derelict property on West Street. On arrival the crews discovered a fire on the second floor of the property. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using two hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. The crews have now gained access to the roof.” Pictures show significant damage to the roof at the back of the building.
The building is known as Milford House and is Grade II listed. It dates back to the 18th Century and sits within West Street Conservation Area. It was formerly the premises of G H Burgess (Solicitor).
Update: It has been revealed that police discovered hundreds of cannabis plants inside a town centre building just two days before a fire broke out inside the same property. They are investigating the discovery of the cannabis factory as well as the cause of the blaze which broke out in the property on West Street, Congleton. It is not yet known whether the two incidents are linked. The cannabis factory was discovered at 9.50am on Friday, May 15. A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Officers conducted a warrant at a premises on West Street. Following a search of the property officers recovered around 250 cannabis plants. No arrests were made and the building was secured."
News Source: Cheshire Live
A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Six fire engines were called to a fire at a derelict building in West Street, Congleton at 4.36pm. Two from Congleton, one from Alsager, one from Crewe, one from Lymm, one from Holmes Chapel and an aerial appliance attended. Firefighters were called following reports of smoke coming from the chimney of a derelict property on West Street. On arrival the crews discovered a fire on the second floor of the property. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using two hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. The crews have now gained access to the roof.” Pictures show significant damage to the roof at the back of the building.
The building is known as Milford House and is Grade II listed. It dates back to the 18th Century and sits within West Street Conservation Area. It was formerly the premises of G H Burgess (Solicitor).
Update: It has been revealed that police discovered hundreds of cannabis plants inside a town centre building just two days before a fire broke out inside the same property. They are investigating the discovery of the cannabis factory as well as the cause of the blaze which broke out in the property on West Street, Congleton. It is not yet known whether the two incidents are linked. The cannabis factory was discovered at 9.50am on Friday, May 15. A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Officers conducted a warrant at a premises on West Street. Following a search of the property officers recovered around 250 cannabis plants. No arrests were made and the building was secured."
News Source: Cheshire Live
Entry Name: 12,12a and 12b, West Street
Listing Date: 28 July 1950 Last Amended: 4 April 1975 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1130445 English Heritage Legacy ID: 55942 Location: Congleton, Cheshire East, CW12 County: Cheshire East Civil Parish: Congleton Built-Up Area: Congleton Traditional County: Cheshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cheshire Church of England Parish: Congleton St James Church of England Diocese: Chester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.1633 / 53°9'47"N Longitude: -2.2159 / 2°12'57"W OS Eastings: 385662 OS Northings: 362925 OS Grid: SJ856629 Mapcode National: GBR 12B.QL4 Mapcode Global: WHBC0.XRZB |
17 May 2020 (16:06) Person taken to hospital after Brighton flat fire
At 4.06pm today (Sunday May 17) East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at Chesham Place, Brighton. Six fire engines plus the aerial ladder platform are in attendance to the fire affecting a basement flat of a four storey building, a spokesman said. At the height of the fire, crews were using 12 breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one in seven foam and one main jet to bring the fire under control.
A cloud of smoke could be seen billowing across the street from a lower level of a terraced seafront house. A witness said firefighters could be seen “vanishing into the smoke” as they attempt to bring the flames under control. One person was rescued and has been taken to hospital in the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). Crews are currently turning over and damping down the scene to ensure the fire is out. Gas and electric utilities are at the scene shutting off supplies to the property. Road closures are still in place. People have been advised to avoid the area.
The terraced row (Nos 7-11) is Grade II listed, as are all the buildings in Chesham Place, and was built in the mid 19th century. Although built in the Victorian period, the design of these houses (like those across the street, Nos 12-21 is in keeping with the Regency character of Kemp Town. The street lies within the East Cliff Conservation Area.
News Source: Worthing Herald
A cloud of smoke could be seen billowing across the street from a lower level of a terraced seafront house. A witness said firefighters could be seen “vanishing into the smoke” as they attempt to bring the flames under control. One person was rescued and has been taken to hospital in the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). Crews are currently turning over and damping down the scene to ensure the fire is out. Gas and electric utilities are at the scene shutting off supplies to the property. Road closures are still in place. People have been advised to avoid the area.
The terraced row (Nos 7-11) is Grade II listed, as are all the buildings in Chesham Place, and was built in the mid 19th century. Although built in the Victorian period, the design of these houses (like those across the street, Nos 12-21 is in keeping with the Regency character of Kemp Town. The street lies within the East Cliff Conservation Area.
News Source: Worthing Herald
Entry Name: Numbers 7 to 11 and Attached Walls, Piers and Railings
Listing Date: 24 November 1994 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1380253 English Heritage Legacy ID: 480050 Location: Brighton and Hove, BN2 County: The City of Brighton and Hove Electoral Ward/Division: East Brighton Built-Up Area: Brighton and Hove Traditional County: Sussex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): East Sussex Church of England Parish: Brighton St George with St Anne and St Mark Church of England Diocese: Chichester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.8172 / 50°49'1"N Longitude: -0.1156 / 0°6'56"W OS Eastings: 532844 OS Northings: 103650 OS Grid: TQ328036 Mapcode National: GBR KQH.MM7 Mapcode Global: FRA B6NY.0SF |
17 May 2020 (02:15) - Serious fire rips through building on Ayr High Street
Ayr High Street has been closed this morning after a serious fire in the early hours. Extensive damage has been caused to flats at the bottom end of the town, which sit above the World of Art shop. The roof of the building has been gutted and a large scale emergency response is on scene.
Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed that six appliances were deployed to the blaze, with two still working to extinguish the flames. A spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 2.15am on Sunday, May 17, to reports of a fire within a row of terraced building on High Street, Ayr. Operations Control mobilised six appliances to the scene where crews remain in attendance as they work to extinguish the fire."
There is a high police presence is on the High Street and surrounding areas. Police have confirmed that pedestrian access in the area is restricted at points and that road closures around the area will be in place all day. There have been no reports of any injuries.
The building is an early 19th century tenement block which is Category B listed. It lies within Ayr Central Conservation Area.
News Source: Daily Record
Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed that six appliances were deployed to the blaze, with two still working to extinguish the flames. A spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 2.15am on Sunday, May 17, to reports of a fire within a row of terraced building on High Street, Ayr. Operations Control mobilised six appliances to the scene where crews remain in attendance as they work to extinguish the fire."
There is a high police presence is on the High Street and surrounding areas. Police have confirmed that pedestrian access in the area is restricted at points and that road closures around the area will be in place all day. There have been no reports of any injuries.
The building is an early 19th century tenement block which is Category B listed. It lies within Ayr Central Conservation Area.
News Source: Daily Record
Entry Name: 17-21 (Odd Nos) High Street
Listing Date: 10 January 1980 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 356975 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB21594 Building Class: Cultural Location: Ayr County: South Ayrshire Town: Ayr Electoral Ward: Ayr West Traditional County: Ayrshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.464 / 55°27'50"N Longitude: -4.6315 / 4°37'53"W OS Eastings: 233729 OS Northings: 622053 OS Grid: NS337220 Mapcode National: GBR 39.XXWD Mapcode Global: WH2PP.TXQM |
17 May 2020 (approx) - Church lights smashed and tools room burnt after vandals ransack place
Vandals smashed church lights and left a tool room scorched after a raid thought to have happened last weekend. Trinity Church in Yarm Road, Stockton, was left in a state after the incident. Stockton Council and Cleveland Police is investigating the incident.Lighting technicians from the council visited the site on Wednesday, May 20, after they received reports of the lights not working.
The outdoor uplights were broken and there was fire damage to a room used to store gardening tools. The tools, which are used by a local volunteering group, were also found broken.
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Vandalism and arson are both criminal offences and we will not tolerate this reckless behaviour in our communities. We have reported this to Cleveland Police and would appeal to anyone with information to help us find those responsible by sharing any details as soon as possible."
The preserved Grade II* listed ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity stand in Trinity Green in Stockton on Tees. It was built in 1837-8.
News Source: Teeside Live
The outdoor uplights were broken and there was fire damage to a room used to store gardening tools. The tools, which are used by a local volunteering group, were also found broken.
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Vandalism and arson are both criminal offences and we will not tolerate this reckless behaviour in our communities. We have reported this to Cleveland Police and would appeal to anyone with information to help us find those responsible by sharing any details as soon as possible."
The preserved Grade II* listed ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity stand in Trinity Green in Stockton on Tees. It was built in 1837-8.
News Source: Teeside Live
Entry Name: Church of the Holy Trinity
Listing Date: 19 January 1951 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1329480 English Heritage Legacy ID: 59514 Location: Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 County: Stockton-on-Tees Electoral Ward/Division: Stockton Town Centre Built-Up Area: Stockton-on-Tees Traditional County: Durham Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): County Durham Church of England Parish: Stockton-on-Tees St Peter Church of England Diocese: Durham |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.5603 / 54°33'36"N Longitude: -1.3151 / 1°18'54"W OS Eastings: 444389 OS Northings: 518552 OS Grid: NZ443185 Mapcode National: GBR MH8Q.21 Mapcode Global: WHD6Y.RMYW |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1837-8 to a design by John and Benjamin Green. In the 20th century, it suffered a series of unfortunate events. Those of superstitious mind might date the start of the troubles to 1955, when the church decided to remove all of the headstones from its churchyard, which also had black death and cholera mass graves on site, and convert it into an open space for recreation. Perhaps eerily, one of the final headstones to be removed carried the prophetic inscription:
“Death to me little warning gave,
And quickly called me to my grave”
Just a year later – 1956 – stone began to fall from the church’s steeple, and it was soon found to be structurally unsound. The congregation failed raise the £20k needed to repair it, and so, in 1958, the steeple was dismantled. A decade on, the Anglican congregation dwindled here as elsewhere. The vicar launched a “getting to know you” campaign in which he went door-knocking in the local area, which did enough to keep the church going for a while.
But 1979 brought another huge blow to the church after its organ – worth some £100k – failed. The church could not afford to repair it, and over time, the congregation and the collection plate shrank to an unsustainable level. The church was forced to close in 1982. A reprieve appeared in 1985, as the Greek Orthodox Church took over the building and spent £30k on overhauling the organ. But not long afterwards, the church was ransacked by vandals who stole candlesticks and communion wine – and destroyed the newly repaired organ.
In 1991 – just six years after its reopening – the church was burned down in a fire, the cause of which was never discovered. Since then, the church has stood as a landmark ruin. Refurbishment work using £550,000 funding secured by English Heritage and Stockton Council was completed in 2008. The ex-churchyard, now known as Trinity Green, is used for all manner of cultural events such as Stockton International Riverside Festival.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1837-8 to a design by John and Benjamin Green. In the 20th century, it suffered a series of unfortunate events. Those of superstitious mind might date the start of the troubles to 1955, when the church decided to remove all of the headstones from its churchyard, which also had black death and cholera mass graves on site, and convert it into an open space for recreation. Perhaps eerily, one of the final headstones to be removed carried the prophetic inscription:
“Death to me little warning gave,
And quickly called me to my grave”
Just a year later – 1956 – stone began to fall from the church’s steeple, and it was soon found to be structurally unsound. The congregation failed raise the £20k needed to repair it, and so, in 1958, the steeple was dismantled. A decade on, the Anglican congregation dwindled here as elsewhere. The vicar launched a “getting to know you” campaign in which he went door-knocking in the local area, which did enough to keep the church going for a while.
But 1979 brought another huge blow to the church after its organ – worth some £100k – failed. The church could not afford to repair it, and over time, the congregation and the collection plate shrank to an unsustainable level. The church was forced to close in 1982. A reprieve appeared in 1985, as the Greek Orthodox Church took over the building and spent £30k on overhauling the organ. But not long afterwards, the church was ransacked by vandals who stole candlesticks and communion wine – and destroyed the newly repaired organ.
In 1991 – just six years after its reopening – the church was burned down in a fire, the cause of which was never discovered. Since then, the church has stood as a landmark ruin. Refurbishment work using £550,000 funding secured by English Heritage and Stockton Council was completed in 2008. The ex-churchyard, now known as Trinity Green, is used for all manner of cultural events such as Stockton International Riverside Festival.
16 May 2020 (23:18) - Historic Thornton Heath clocktower set alight
Thornton Heath’s historic clocktower was set alight last night. The fire brigade were called to tackle the blaze which was confined to the wooden doorway of the clocktower. The area has been plagued by groups of street drinkers who gather in the seats next to the tower, which were installed as part of the recent council led regeneration of Thornton Heath. Firefighters attended the scene just before 11.20pm on Saturday and had to break open the door to eradicate the fire. Smoke damage can be seen to the base of the tower. Two fire engines attended. Police also attended the scene.
Groups of drinkers had been hanging around the clocktower which is in the council designated No Drinking Zone, most of the day. During lockdown a half hearted attempt was made to tape off the seats at the clocktower but the tape was quickly removed. Street drinkers have been arrested and fined for breaching social distancing but have continued to congregate. Police say with limited resources, there are just three officers for the Thornton Heath ward, they are trying to be reasonable and fair but despite being offered housing the street drinkers ‘unfortunately …don’t seem to want our help and although fines have been issued its not a long term solution.’ Prior to the pandemic one persistent street drinker was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from Thornton Heath but magistrates refused to issue a second CBO against another female drinker.
The clocktower has stood at the junction of Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath High Street and Parchmore Road since 1900 and is Locally Listed.
News Source: Thornton Heath Chronicle
Groups of drinkers had been hanging around the clocktower which is in the council designated No Drinking Zone, most of the day. During lockdown a half hearted attempt was made to tape off the seats at the clocktower but the tape was quickly removed. Street drinkers have been arrested and fined for breaching social distancing but have continued to congregate. Police say with limited resources, there are just three officers for the Thornton Heath ward, they are trying to be reasonable and fair but despite being offered housing the street drinkers ‘unfortunately …don’t seem to want our help and although fines have been issued its not a long term solution.’ Prior to the pandemic one persistent street drinker was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from Thornton Heath but magistrates refused to issue a second CBO against another female drinker.
The clocktower has stood at the junction of Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath High Street and Parchmore Road since 1900 and is Locally Listed.
News Source: Thornton Heath Chronicle
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The clocktower was built to commemorate the new century in 1900 and cost £300, half of which was donated by members of the public. The site on which it stands was formerly known as Walker’s Green and was suggested as a location by Councillor Addison, who wrote to Croydon Corporation with his suggestion. Within two weeks of receiving Addison’s letter, plans for the tower had been drawn up by the deputy borough engineer and were approved by the Corporation which also agreed to meet half the cost of the project. The stone structure soon established itself as a well known local landmark and became a focal point for Thornton Heath. The clocktower was illuminated in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.
During the Second World War the tower stood defiantly in an area which suffered badly from enemy bombing. One high explosive bomb fell close by, destroying the tram lines in Thornton Heath High Street, but fortunately the clocktower escaped serious damage.
By the mid-1980s the clock tower was beginning to show its age. It was frequently covered in graffiti and the surrounding area was often strewn with litter and plagued by flocks of pigeons scavenging among the rubbish dumped here. In April 1987, work began on an £8,000 facelift for the tower, which included the laying of new paving; the planting of flower beds; the installation of railings and the filling in of old underground toilets that stood adjacent to the back of the clock tower in Parchmore Road.
After almost 90 years the clock tower still had some mysteries to reveal. During excavations for a flower bed the workmen stumbled across a large, secret, underground chamber directly below an area to the rear of the tower in Parchmore Road. This vast cavernous opening measured 22ft by 13ft and was 11 feet deep.
Mystery surrounded the origins of the chamber, with one pensioner advising the workmen that there was an old Second World War Air Raid Shelter in the vicinity where several people had drowned when it had flooded. However, it was found to be part of the old Croydon that had had flooded. After detailed investigations, it was discovered to be part of the old Croydon Tramway Service and used to house tram switchgear.
More recently, it was cleaned and the area once again regenerated with new seating and planting.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The clocktower was built to commemorate the new century in 1900 and cost £300, half of which was donated by members of the public. The site on which it stands was formerly known as Walker’s Green and was suggested as a location by Councillor Addison, who wrote to Croydon Corporation with his suggestion. Within two weeks of receiving Addison’s letter, plans for the tower had been drawn up by the deputy borough engineer and were approved by the Corporation which also agreed to meet half the cost of the project. The stone structure soon established itself as a well known local landmark and became a focal point for Thornton Heath. The clocktower was illuminated in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.
During the Second World War the tower stood defiantly in an area which suffered badly from enemy bombing. One high explosive bomb fell close by, destroying the tram lines in Thornton Heath High Street, but fortunately the clocktower escaped serious damage.
By the mid-1980s the clock tower was beginning to show its age. It was frequently covered in graffiti and the surrounding area was often strewn with litter and plagued by flocks of pigeons scavenging among the rubbish dumped here. In April 1987, work began on an £8,000 facelift for the tower, which included the laying of new paving; the planting of flower beds; the installation of railings and the filling in of old underground toilets that stood adjacent to the back of the clock tower in Parchmore Road.
After almost 90 years the clock tower still had some mysteries to reveal. During excavations for a flower bed the workmen stumbled across a large, secret, underground chamber directly below an area to the rear of the tower in Parchmore Road. This vast cavernous opening measured 22ft by 13ft and was 11 feet deep.
Mystery surrounded the origins of the chamber, with one pensioner advising the workmen that there was an old Second World War Air Raid Shelter in the vicinity where several people had drowned when it had flooded. However, it was found to be part of the old Croydon that had had flooded. After detailed investigations, it was discovered to be part of the old Croydon Tramway Service and used to house tram switchgear.
More recently, it was cleaned and the area once again regenerated with new seating and planting.
16 May 2020 (02:10) - Police investigate after arsonists cause extensive damage to historic Dunston Staiths
Arsonists torched a historic landmark and badly damaged what was thought to be Europe’s largest timber structure, police have said. An investigation has been launched into the fire at Dunston Staiths, in Gateshead – a Grade II listed structure which opened 1893 so Durham coal could be dropped into boats on the Tyne below.
A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to a fire at the Dunston Staiths at about 2.10am this morning. Two fire appliances and a fireboat attended the scene and brought the fire under control. They left the scene at about 5am." But the fire flared up again and firefighters returned at 6.50am. The spokesperson added: "Three appliances and a fire boat attended the scene. They left again at 11.40am.
The Dunston Staiths Fire Restoration Appeal posted on its Facebook page: "It's devastating to have to say that our unique and much loved Dunston Staiths fell victim to a serious fire in the early hours of this morning, which had clearly been started deliberately. It is soul destroying for those of us who've worked so hard in recent years to see it restored and open for the public to enjoy. The damage to the restored upper deck is extensive. This abhorrent act of mindless vandalism on a Grade II listed structure, which is the only one of its kind remaining, just leaves me lost for words. After a long night, being there to assist the fire crews, who were just amazing and dealing with the police I'm home briefly to take stock. If anyone saw, heard or knows anything, please contact the police or you can message me privately too. Those responsible need to be caught. The fire was most likely lit sometime between midnight to 2am ish as it was well alight when the call was put through."
Northumbria Police are treating the fire as arson. Detective Inspector Andy Gimza said: “This fire has caused a significant amount of damage to this historic monument. This incident sadly comes after months of fundraising to restore the structure following a fire on the 23rd February 2019. At present we’re treating this as a deliberate act of vandalism, so a criminal investigation has been launched. If you saw anyone suspicious in the area of the Staiths late Friday night or early Saturday morning, please get in touch. We’re also appealing to local residents who may have CCTV installed to check their devices. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could allow us to establish the facts of this case."
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted pictures from the scene overnight and said: “As you can see from these photos, the fire at Dunston Staiths was extremely serious. Put simply, deliberate fires put people at risk. If you have any information about this incident contact @northumbriapol on 101.”
The Grade II listed structure was built in 1893 by the North East Railway Company to allow large quantities of coal arriving by rail from the Durham Coalfields to be loaded directly onto waiting colliers (coal ships). The 520m (1,709ft)-long structure, believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe, played a crucial role in the transportation of millions of tons of North East coal from the Tyne. The 1920s saw 140,000 tons of coal a week loaded at Dunston - the last working staiths on the Tyne - but by the 1970s, this had fallen to just 3,000 tons. In 1980, the staiths loaded its final shipment and was closed. The Staiths fell into disrepair following the decline of the coal industry but have been restored and in 1990 the structure was rebuilt as a tourist attraction at the National Garden Festival. It has also held other public events such as markets.
News Source: The Northern Echo
A spokesperson for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to a fire at the Dunston Staiths at about 2.10am this morning. Two fire appliances and a fireboat attended the scene and brought the fire under control. They left the scene at about 5am." But the fire flared up again and firefighters returned at 6.50am. The spokesperson added: "Three appliances and a fire boat attended the scene. They left again at 11.40am.
The Dunston Staiths Fire Restoration Appeal posted on its Facebook page: "It's devastating to have to say that our unique and much loved Dunston Staiths fell victim to a serious fire in the early hours of this morning, which had clearly been started deliberately. It is soul destroying for those of us who've worked so hard in recent years to see it restored and open for the public to enjoy. The damage to the restored upper deck is extensive. This abhorrent act of mindless vandalism on a Grade II listed structure, which is the only one of its kind remaining, just leaves me lost for words. After a long night, being there to assist the fire crews, who were just amazing and dealing with the police I'm home briefly to take stock. If anyone saw, heard or knows anything, please contact the police or you can message me privately too. Those responsible need to be caught. The fire was most likely lit sometime between midnight to 2am ish as it was well alight when the call was put through."
Northumbria Police are treating the fire as arson. Detective Inspector Andy Gimza said: “This fire has caused a significant amount of damage to this historic monument. This incident sadly comes after months of fundraising to restore the structure following a fire on the 23rd February 2019. At present we’re treating this as a deliberate act of vandalism, so a criminal investigation has been launched. If you saw anyone suspicious in the area of the Staiths late Friday night or early Saturday morning, please get in touch. We’re also appealing to local residents who may have CCTV installed to check their devices. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could allow us to establish the facts of this case."
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted pictures from the scene overnight and said: “As you can see from these photos, the fire at Dunston Staiths was extremely serious. Put simply, deliberate fires put people at risk. If you have any information about this incident contact @northumbriapol on 101.”
The Grade II listed structure was built in 1893 by the North East Railway Company to allow large quantities of coal arriving by rail from the Durham Coalfields to be loaded directly onto waiting colliers (coal ships). The 520m (1,709ft)-long structure, believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe, played a crucial role in the transportation of millions of tons of North East coal from the Tyne. The 1920s saw 140,000 tons of coal a week loaded at Dunston - the last working staiths on the Tyne - but by the 1970s, this had fallen to just 3,000 tons. In 1980, the staiths loaded its final shipment and was closed. The Staiths fell into disrepair following the decline of the coal industry but have been restored and in 1990 the structure was rebuilt as a tourist attraction at the National Garden Festival. It has also held other public events such as markets.
News Source: The Northern Echo
Listing Details
Entry Name: River Tyne Dunston Coal Staithes
Listing Date: 13 January 1983 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1248994 English Heritage Legacy ID: 430242 Location: Gateshead, NE8 County: Gateshead Electoral Ward/Division: Dunston and Teams Built-Up Area: Gateshead Traditional County: Durham Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Tyne and Wear Church of England Parish: Bensham and Teams Church of England Diocese: Durham |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.9581 / 54°57'29"N Longitude: -1.6331 / 1°37'59"W OS Eastings: 423592 OS Northings: 562666 OS Grid: NZ235626 Mapcode National: GBR SLF.LY Mapcode Global: WHC3Q.WMHX |
Near Miss
15 May 2020 (20:30) - Coronavirus: Eight people caught wild camping in Yorkshire Dales
15 May 2020 (20:30) - Coronavirus: Eight people caught wild camping in Yorkshire Dales
Police in the Yorkshire Dales issued a group of wild campers with Covid-19 fixed penalty notices over the weekend, after they broke currently coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Officers were called to the Surrender smelt mill ruins near Surrender Bridge – off the Langthwaite and Feetham road – at 8.30pm on Friday (15 May) night. A local resident reported that five tents had been pitched and a fire had been lit close to the ruins.
On arrival, officers spoke to four men and four women aged in their mid-20s. They had travelled from West Yorkshire and were from six different households. They were reported for offences which breach the current regulations. As they had been drinking they had had to remain there overnight, but they did pack up their belongings and put the fire out in order to depart the area and return home first thing on Saturday. Officers also moved a campervan on from the location which is believed to have travelled from Teesside.
Inspector Mark Gee, of the Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a clear breach of the regulations. Leaving your home address to camp overnight is not allowed. I appeal to people to show respect for the communities in the Yorkshire Dales, and for those visiting the area to only do so for reasons allowed under the current laws. If you are unsure of the law, please consult the Government website – www.gov.uk – and check if your travel and visit is going to be lawful before setting off. I appreciate it is a confusing time but ignorance is no excuse in law – you need to cover yourself.”
The ruin of Surrender Lead Smelting Mill was awarded Grade II listed status in 1973 and was designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1979. Although there is little combustible left to burn at the site, a fire close to the walls can seriously damage the stonework and can cause a collapse to occur.
News Source: Stray FM
On arrival, officers spoke to four men and four women aged in their mid-20s. They had travelled from West Yorkshire and were from six different households. They were reported for offences which breach the current regulations. As they had been drinking they had had to remain there overnight, but they did pack up their belongings and put the fire out in order to depart the area and return home first thing on Saturday. Officers also moved a campervan on from the location which is believed to have travelled from Teesside.
Inspector Mark Gee, of the Richmondshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a clear breach of the regulations. Leaving your home address to camp overnight is not allowed. I appeal to people to show respect for the communities in the Yorkshire Dales, and for those visiting the area to only do so for reasons allowed under the current laws. If you are unsure of the law, please consult the Government website – www.gov.uk – and check if your travel and visit is going to be lawful before setting off. I appreciate it is a confusing time but ignorance is no excuse in law – you need to cover yourself.”
The ruin of Surrender Lead Smelting Mill was awarded Grade II listed status in 1973 and was designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1979. Although there is little combustible left to burn at the site, a fire close to the walls can seriously damage the stonework and can cause a collapse to occur.
News Source: Stray FM
Listing Details
Entry Name: Surrender Smelt Mill
Listing Date: 13 February 1973 Last Amended: 5 September 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1318271 English Heritage Legacy ID: 322276 Location: Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, DL11 County: North Yorkshire District: Richmondshire Civil Parish: Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): North Yorkshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 54.3947 / 54°23'40"N Longitude: -2.016 / 2°0'57"W OS Eastings: 399056 OS Northings: 499908 OS Grid: SD990999 Mapcode National: GBR GKCM.BD Mapcode Global: WHB54.0S8V |
15 May 2020 (16:54) - Lancashire man charged with arson after after fire completely destroys Oswaldtwistle house
Police were called by the fire service to a report of a suspicious fire at an address on Queen Street at around 5pm on May 15. Three fire engines from Hyndburn and Blackburn attended the fire, with firefighters using two hose reels, four breathing apparatus, a ventilation fan and a thermal imaging camera. Vulnerable residents had to be evacuated from neighbouring properties as firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours and 45 minutes. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, but it resulted in the house being completely destroyed.
Anthony Dickinson, 53, has now been arrested and charged with arson after officers launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Anthony Dickinson, 53, of Oswaldtwistle, was charged with arson - reckless as to whether life was endangered. He was remanded to appear at Burnley Combined Court on June 11."
Queen Street, George Street and Frederick Street were built in the 1860s to house workers at the nearby Moscow Mill when it was extended. The mill was established by Benjamin & Robert Walmsley in 1824-5 for spinning, and was also extended in 1842. A new weaving shed was built in 1905, and the mill purchased by the present owners, the Hargreaves family, in 1920. A new weaving shed and looms were installed in 1989 resulting in part of the old weaving shed becoming vacant. This has been developed as a mill shop and tourist attraction.
News Source: Lancashire Post
Anthony Dickinson, 53, has now been arrested and charged with arson after officers launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Anthony Dickinson, 53, of Oswaldtwistle, was charged with arson - reckless as to whether life was endangered. He was remanded to appear at Burnley Combined Court on June 11."
Queen Street, George Street and Frederick Street were built in the 1860s to house workers at the nearby Moscow Mill when it was extended. The mill was established by Benjamin & Robert Walmsley in 1824-5 for spinning, and was also extended in 1842. A new weaving shed was built in 1905, and the mill purchased by the present owners, the Hargreaves family, in 1920. A new weaving shed and looms were installed in 1989 resulting in part of the old weaving shed becoming vacant. This has been developed as a mill shop and tourist attraction.
News Source: Lancashire Post
15 May 2020 (05:00*) - Horley Royal British Legion 'extremely saddened' after 104-year-old club 'destroyed' in large fire
The Royal British Legion (RBL) Horley branch has said it is "extremely shocked and saddened" after a huge fire tore through a social club it had called home. Huge flames and thick clouds of smoke were seen in Albert Road, Horley, as a large fire took hold of the Earl Haig Sports and Social Club. Six fire crews were sent to the scene at around 5am on Friday (May 15) alongside Surrey Police. The force has since confirmed it is not treating the incident as suspicious.
A fundraiser called 'Save the Haig' was launched on Monday (May 18), to raise money for repairs after the fire caused extensive damage. Social club chairman Kevin Devlin, 66, said: "It was a disaster. Honestly, I felt like crying when I saw it. But I have gone back since and taken a look and it is actually salvageable. The firefighters did a fantastic job, it wasn't the easiest of ones. Everything was built in 1916. The original roof after so many years must have been leaking, so they put another roof on top, without taking the first roof off. The firemen had an awful job because they got up the ladders, tried to smash the tiles to get in with their hose pipes, then discovered there was another roof underneath."
Mr Devlin explained how the club is steeped in history. It was donated to the Horley community in 1916 by Earl Haig, a senior officer in the British Army, who specified the club could never be sold. "Everything has gone" from the bar, Mr Devlin said, and he lost around £2,000 worth of stock. He also made a grim estimate for repairs totalling around £100,000, for which he will rely on donations from the public and other community clubs. The club was also formerly held by the RBL, and before the fire and the pandemic the group used the building as its base and "home".
Horley RBL vice chairman Paul Grest said: "It has totally destroyed the main roof and bar area. The bar area has been destroyed, but thankfully the rear bit of the property, where there was a function room, seems to have escaped fire damage. Luckily the items we had stored there have been saved and rescued. It is our home, our base for anything we do. It would have been our base for VE Day, it's our base where we run our poppy appeals, and we would also use it for our remembrance parades. It has put us at a disadvantage of losing our home, but we have been so lucky to have been offered alternative accommodation and support from various establishments within Horley. The main issue is not having a base to run the poppy appeal from, even though we're not sure what it would look like in the pandemic."
After waking to a series of messages alerting him to the fire, Mr Grest said he was "extremely shocked and saddened" at the news. For the time being we won't be homeless, we have other places for a base. So once COVID-19 allows us to, we will go back to having meetings and arranging necessary events. It's not stopping us, we're lucky in that respect," he said.
News Source: Surrey Live
A fundraiser called 'Save the Haig' was launched on Monday (May 18), to raise money for repairs after the fire caused extensive damage. Social club chairman Kevin Devlin, 66, said: "It was a disaster. Honestly, I felt like crying when I saw it. But I have gone back since and taken a look and it is actually salvageable. The firefighters did a fantastic job, it wasn't the easiest of ones. Everything was built in 1916. The original roof after so many years must have been leaking, so they put another roof on top, without taking the first roof off. The firemen had an awful job because they got up the ladders, tried to smash the tiles to get in with their hose pipes, then discovered there was another roof underneath."
Mr Devlin explained how the club is steeped in history. It was donated to the Horley community in 1916 by Earl Haig, a senior officer in the British Army, who specified the club could never be sold. "Everything has gone" from the bar, Mr Devlin said, and he lost around £2,000 worth of stock. He also made a grim estimate for repairs totalling around £100,000, for which he will rely on donations from the public and other community clubs. The club was also formerly held by the RBL, and before the fire and the pandemic the group used the building as its base and "home".
Horley RBL vice chairman Paul Grest said: "It has totally destroyed the main roof and bar area. The bar area has been destroyed, but thankfully the rear bit of the property, where there was a function room, seems to have escaped fire damage. Luckily the items we had stored there have been saved and rescued. It is our home, our base for anything we do. It would have been our base for VE Day, it's our base where we run our poppy appeals, and we would also use it for our remembrance parades. It has put us at a disadvantage of losing our home, but we have been so lucky to have been offered alternative accommodation and support from various establishments within Horley. The main issue is not having a base to run the poppy appeal from, even though we're not sure what it would look like in the pandemic."
After waking to a series of messages alerting him to the fire, Mr Grest said he was "extremely shocked and saddened" at the news. For the time being we won't be homeless, we have other places for a base. So once COVID-19 allows us to, we will go back to having meetings and arranging necessary events. It's not stopping us, we're lucky in that respect," he said.
News Source: Surrey Live
14 May 2020 (19:25) - St John’s Wood sauna fire: Hamilton Terrace blaze put out
Firefighters tackled a blaze in St John’s Wood on Thursday which “involved a sauna”. Around 25 fireighters and four fire engines put out the blaze at a house in Hamilton Terrace on May 14. There were no injuries and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) believe the fire was accidental, stemming from a sauna.
The LFB was called at 7.25pm and the fire was under control by 20:32. Part of the second and third floors of the St John’s Wood home were damaged. Crews from West Hampstead and Kentish Town attended the scene and the LFB took 13 calls over the blaze.
The property is a Grade II listed mid 19th century semi detached Victorian Villa. It lies within the St John’s Wood Conservation Area
News Source: Ham & High
The LFB was called at 7.25pm and the fire was under control by 20:32. Part of the second and third floors of the St John’s Wood home were damaged. Crews from West Hampstead and Kentish Town attended the scene and the LFB took 13 calls over the blaze.
The property is a Grade II listed mid 19th century semi detached Victorian Villa. It lies within the St John’s Wood Conservation Area
News Source: Ham & High
Entry Name: 131 and 133, Hamilton Terrace Nw8
Listing Date: 1 December 1987 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1229344 English Heritage Legacy ID: 210043 Location: Westminster, London, NW8 County: Westminster Electoral Ward/Division: Abbey Road Built-Up Area: City of Westminster Traditional County: Middlesex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Greater London Church of England Parish: St Mark Hamilton Terrace Church of England Diocese: London |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.5331 / 51°31'59"N Longitude: -0.1849 / 0°11'5"W OS Eastings: 525994 OS Northings: 183143 OS Grid: TQ259831 Mapcode National: GBR 24.PL Mapcode Global: VHGQR.RQ3K |
14 May 2020 (18:00*) - Investigation launched after Sheffield Cathedral 'targeted' in arson attack
Fire crews were called to Sheffield Cathedral on Church Street at around 6pm on Thursday after a 40-year-old woman allegedly set fire to the Domino Hall after smashing a window to gain entrance. The suspect, from Sheffield, was arrested close to the scene on suspicion of arson and burglary after police arrived at around 6.30pm. She remains in custody today (May 15). Police confirmed nobody was injured in the incident. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus took around 40 minutes to extinguish the blaze and prevent it spreading further. They remained on the scene to clear smoke from the building until around 10pm. The fire service is now assisting police with their investigation.
The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul is one of only five Grade I Listed Building in the city. It lies within Sheffield's City Centre Conservation Area. The Domino Hall is the largest room in the 900-year-old building and is used as an event space for up to 150 people. Reverend Keith Farrow from Sheffield Cathedral said: “The fire started in the Domino Hall and it doesn’t look like there’s been huge, extensive damage. There’s been quite a lot of smoke and smoke damage in that area.”
The Cathedral is currently closed to the public because of coronavirus but the Cathedral Archer Project, which is based at the rear of the building on Campo lane, has remained open throughout lockdown. The Cathedral Archer Project works with homeless and vulnerable people in Sheffield to help them find ways out of homelessness and exclusion. Last month it put out an emergency appeal for donations to allow them to continue their work. Reverend Farrow added: “Everyone seems to be safe, nobody is injured. But clearly it’s affected the very heart of the Cathedral Archer Project. We want to pray for the work that might be affected in the Cathedral Archer Project at this particularly difficult time.” The cost of the damage is not yet known.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “An investigation is underway after a suspected arson attack at Sheffield cathedral last night (May 14). It’s understood that someone had gained to the cathedral through breaking a window, and set fire to one of the rooms. A 40-year-old woman from Sheffield was arrested nearby on suspicion of arson and burglary. She remains in police custody. Nobody was injured in the incident."
A South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue spokerperson added: “Firefighters from Central and Rivelin were called to a fire at the Sheffield Cathedral, on Church Street in the city centre, at 6pm yesterday (May 14). Upon arrival they found smoke issuing from a community room that is connected to the cathedral. Breathing apparatus wearers immediately gained access and had extinguished the fire itself by 6.41pm – preventing any further spread. The crews remained on scene for some time after the fire was out clearing smoke from the building. There are no reports of any injuries and firefighters eventually left the scene at around 10pm. A joint investigation between the police and fire service is now underway.”
News Source: The Yorkshire Post
The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul is one of only five Grade I Listed Building in the city. It lies within Sheffield's City Centre Conservation Area. The Domino Hall is the largest room in the 900-year-old building and is used as an event space for up to 150 people. Reverend Keith Farrow from Sheffield Cathedral said: “The fire started in the Domino Hall and it doesn’t look like there’s been huge, extensive damage. There’s been quite a lot of smoke and smoke damage in that area.”
The Cathedral is currently closed to the public because of coronavirus but the Cathedral Archer Project, which is based at the rear of the building on Campo lane, has remained open throughout lockdown. The Cathedral Archer Project works with homeless and vulnerable people in Sheffield to help them find ways out of homelessness and exclusion. Last month it put out an emergency appeal for donations to allow them to continue their work. Reverend Farrow added: “Everyone seems to be safe, nobody is injured. But clearly it’s affected the very heart of the Cathedral Archer Project. We want to pray for the work that might be affected in the Cathedral Archer Project at this particularly difficult time.” The cost of the damage is not yet known.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “An investigation is underway after a suspected arson attack at Sheffield cathedral last night (May 14). It’s understood that someone had gained to the cathedral through breaking a window, and set fire to one of the rooms. A 40-year-old woman from Sheffield was arrested nearby on suspicion of arson and burglary. She remains in police custody. Nobody was injured in the incident."
A South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue spokerperson added: “Firefighters from Central and Rivelin were called to a fire at the Sheffield Cathedral, on Church Street in the city centre, at 6pm yesterday (May 14). Upon arrival they found smoke issuing from a community room that is connected to the cathedral. Breathing apparatus wearers immediately gained access and had extinguished the fire itself by 6.41pm – preventing any further spread. The crews remained on scene for some time after the fire was out clearing smoke from the building. There are no reports of any injuries and firefighters eventually left the scene at around 10pm. A joint investigation between the police and fire service is now underway.”
News Source: The Yorkshire Post
Entry Name: Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul and Attached Wall and Gates
Listing Date: 1 May 1952 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1247080 English Heritage Legacy ID: 456249 Location: Sheffield, S1 County: Sheffield Electoral Ward/Division: City Built-Up Area: Sheffield Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): South Yorkshire Church of England Parish: Sheffield Church of England Diocese: Sheffield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.3833 / 53°22'59"N Longitude: -1.4694 / 1°28'10"W OS Eastings: 435387 OS Northings: 387512 OS Grid: SK353875 Mapcode National: GBR 9HJ.HZ Mapcode Global: WHDDP.D7H4 |
Near Miss
11 May 2020 (14:36) - Fire in Leicester high rise student flats
11 May 2020 (14:36) - Fire in Leicester high rise student flats
A fire broke out in a high rise student accommodation building in the city this afternoon. Crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the building in Western Road, near Bede Park, at 2.36pm today. The blaze had broken out in one of the flats in the building.
According to the fire service, all persons had been accounted for within the accommodation. The cause of the fire and damage caused by the blaze are unknown at this time. The blaze has since been extinguished by firefighters. Five fire engines were called to the scene, two from Eastern station, one from Western station, one from Southern station and one from Central station. An aerial ladder from Central station was also called to assist. Firefighters used one hose jet to put out the fire.
The building is a modern extension to the former Equity Shoe Works, also known as Leicester
Co-operative Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited. It was established in 1887 and the building in Western Road opened in January 1895. It closed in December 2008 without notice. It has now been converted into student accommodation and the offices of CODE Student Accommodation.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
According to the fire service, all persons had been accounted for within the accommodation. The cause of the fire and damage caused by the blaze are unknown at this time. The blaze has since been extinguished by firefighters. Five fire engines were called to the scene, two from Eastern station, one from Western station, one from Southern station and one from Central station. An aerial ladder from Central station was also called to assist. Firefighters used one hose jet to put out the fire.
The building is a modern extension to the former Equity Shoe Works, also known as Leicester
Co-operative Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company Limited. It was established in 1887 and the building in Western Road opened in January 1895. It closed in December 2008 without notice. It has now been converted into student accommodation and the offices of CODE Student Accommodation.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
11 May 2020 (03:15) - Firefighters tackle eight-hour blaze at landmark Hardy's Well pub in Rusholme
Firefighters spent eight hours battling a blaze at a derelict pub in south Manchester. Fire crews were called to the Hardy’s Well pub on Dickinson Road in Rusholme at 3.15am this morning. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service said they believed the fire started in the ground floor of the building.
"Two fire engines from Gorton, one from Moss Side, one from Withington, one from Whitehill and one from Salford attended," the GMFRS spokesperson said. "It was a derelict building fire involving the ground floor of the building. Crews used two hose reels and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. We were there for eight and a half hours."
Witnesses said they saw fire crews removing tiles from the roof of the building, while a drone unit was also on scene. At 8.11am this morning, MancTraffic posted on social media to say the fire had been extinguished and a partial cordon had been put in place between Wilmslow Road and Hythe Close. The pub building has remained shut and boarded up since it was closed in August 2016. In April last year, plans to extend the landmark building, which features Lemn Sissay's famous poetry mural, into 35 flats and eight shops were submitted for approval. Despite concerns about congestion, the plans were later approved in July.
Hardy’s Well was formerly known as Birch Villa, later the Birch Villa Hotel, which has existed on the site since 1837. (See Building History below)
News Source: Manchester Evening News
"Two fire engines from Gorton, one from Moss Side, one from Withington, one from Whitehill and one from Salford attended," the GMFRS spokesperson said. "It was a derelict building fire involving the ground floor of the building. Crews used two hose reels and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. We were there for eight and a half hours."
Witnesses said they saw fire crews removing tiles from the roof of the building, while a drone unit was also on scene. At 8.11am this morning, MancTraffic posted on social media to say the fire had been extinguished and a partial cordon had been put in place between Wilmslow Road and Hythe Close. The pub building has remained shut and boarded up since it was closed in August 2016. In April last year, plans to extend the landmark building, which features Lemn Sissay's famous poetry mural, into 35 flats and eight shops were submitted for approval. Despite concerns about congestion, the plans were later approved in July.
Hardy’s Well was formerly known as Birch Villa, later the Birch Villa Hotel, which has existed on the site since 1837. (See Building History below)
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Hardy's Well was a public house located at the end of the Curry Mile, at 257 Wilmslow Road, in Rusholme, south Manchester, near to Platt Fields Park. The 200-year-old building is named after Hardy's Brewery, and was formerly known as Birch Villa, later the Birch Villa Hotel, which has existed on the site since 1837. The front of the building has a Hardy's mosaic on it, and is two storeys high with three bays, built of red brick.
Following from a conversation between Lemn Sissay and the landlord & Landlady (Andy Pye and Melanie Pemberton ) in 1994, it has one of the first public poems written on one of its gable walls. The poem is known as "Hardy's Well", after the name of the pub and was painted onto the wall by the Landlady at the time Melanie Pemberton Sissay went on to display poetry UK-wide. It was a popular venue for University of Manchester students and of Manchester City F.C. fans when the club was based at Maine Road.
It is owned by Enterprise Inns. It was listed as an Asset of community value in 2015 as a result of an application by the Rusholme & Fallowfield Civic Society. The pub closed in July 2016, and is at risk of being demolished. A planning application by Eamar Development to turn it into flats and shops was submitted in 2018, which would see the shell of the pub incorporated into a larger building, with the poem on the wall as part of the inside of the foyer as well as replicated on the new building's outside wall. The new building would be 6 storeys tall, and contain 62 flats with eight shops on the ground floor.
The scale of the proposal caused concern in the planning department, however, ultimately leading to a revised plan for 35 flats and a basement car park, still with eight shops at ground floor level. But although planning officers are satisfied with the new plans, which now propose four storeys at the development's height instead of six, local councillors are not. Local councillors, residents groups and civic societies have all warned the move would pile pressure onto an already busy junction, with one neighbour warning parking is already at ‘crisis point’ in the surrounding area.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Hardy's Well was a public house located at the end of the Curry Mile, at 257 Wilmslow Road, in Rusholme, south Manchester, near to Platt Fields Park. The 200-year-old building is named after Hardy's Brewery, and was formerly known as Birch Villa, later the Birch Villa Hotel, which has existed on the site since 1837. The front of the building has a Hardy's mosaic on it, and is two storeys high with three bays, built of red brick.
Following from a conversation between Lemn Sissay and the landlord & Landlady (Andy Pye and Melanie Pemberton ) in 1994, it has one of the first public poems written on one of its gable walls. The poem is known as "Hardy's Well", after the name of the pub and was painted onto the wall by the Landlady at the time Melanie Pemberton Sissay went on to display poetry UK-wide. It was a popular venue for University of Manchester students and of Manchester City F.C. fans when the club was based at Maine Road.
It is owned by Enterprise Inns. It was listed as an Asset of community value in 2015 as a result of an application by the Rusholme & Fallowfield Civic Society. The pub closed in July 2016, and is at risk of being demolished. A planning application by Eamar Development to turn it into flats and shops was submitted in 2018, which would see the shell of the pub incorporated into a larger building, with the poem on the wall as part of the inside of the foyer as well as replicated on the new building's outside wall. The new building would be 6 storeys tall, and contain 62 flats with eight shops on the ground floor.
The scale of the proposal caused concern in the planning department, however, ultimately leading to a revised plan for 35 flats and a basement car park, still with eight shops at ground floor level. But although planning officers are satisfied with the new plans, which now propose four storeys at the development's height instead of six, local councillors are not. Local councillors, residents groups and civic societies have all warned the move would pile pressure onto an already busy junction, with one neighbour warning parking is already at ‘crisis point’ in the surrounding area.
10 May 2020 (09:53) - Hampshire police make enquiries into derelict building fire in Ashfield, near Romsey
Hampshire police have announced they are making enquiries into a building fire that erupted in Test Valley yesterday. Crews from Romsey and St Mary’s Fire Station were alerted to the fire at 09:53am in a derelict building opposite Hoe Lane, Ashfield. Now police officers have revealed the building may have been set on fire "deliberately and enquiries" into the blaze are ongoing. A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 10.09am yesterday with reports of a building on fire in Hoe Lane, Ashfield. It is suspected to have been set deliberately and enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing."
Firefighters were met with "heavy smoke coming from the roof" of the building, according to a spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The fire was extinguished using four breathing apparatus’, four hose reels and two jets," the spokesperson added. The stop message came in at 12:03pm.
The semi-detached houses are known as Ashfield Bakery Cottages, and the old bakery buildings lie behind it. Its date of construction is not known, but it existed in 1866 when the 1871 OS map was surveyed. The property belongs to the Broadlands Manor Estate.
News Source: Romsey Advertiser
Firefighters were met with "heavy smoke coming from the roof" of the building, according to a spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. The fire was extinguished using four breathing apparatus’, four hose reels and two jets," the spokesperson added. The stop message came in at 12:03pm.
The semi-detached houses are known as Ashfield Bakery Cottages, and the old bakery buildings lie behind it. Its date of construction is not known, but it existed in 1866 when the 1871 OS map was surveyed. The property belongs to the Broadlands Manor Estate.
News Source: Romsey Advertiser
9 May 2020 (17:00*) - Farmhouse destroyed as 20 firefighters tackle huge blaze
Around 20 firefighters rushed to tackle a huge blaze at a Bolton farmhouse which has been left destroyed. The house at Padiham Farm, in Engine Lane in Over Hulton, has been left a shell by the fire, which started on Saturday evening. Firefighters from Farnworth and Atherton rushed to the scene at around 5pm and found flames on the roof and the first floor were already raging. Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters struggled to get access to the remote farmhouse - which has been empty since December. They managed to extinguish the blaze after around three hours but have not yet determined the cause, according to Atherton fire station crew manager Steve Green.
Mr Green said : "Access was very tight but we managed to get up there. It was the roof and the first floor that were well alight when we got there. We were at the scene for around three hours altogether. It was four pumps, so there were around 15 to 20 firefighters. There was a fire investigator but the investigation didn't seem to turn up much."
The farmhouse is located in Cutacre Country Park, just off the A6, Salford Road. The park's ecologist, Bill Mottram fears that vandals caused the blaze following a spate of attacks on the property. Mr Mottram said: "The house was occupied until around December. Three or four weeks ago the house was broken into and it was absolutely trashed. They stole all the copper, they actually dug the floor up, they stole the wood burning stove. It was in a terrible state. We secured the house again and put fences all around it and the electricity had been disconnected - in effect, it was closed off."
He went to the house with contractors after the fire to check the building and was 'gutted' by what he saw. "When I went to see the house on Sunday after the fire I didn't go in because it would have been dangerous - a section of the roof had been completely burned out and slates were falling off," said Mr Mottram. It will have to be decided whether to leave it standing. It is absolutely gutting to see it damaged - it's a lot of time and effort I have invested in getting this country park to the place it is today. Parts of this land were inaccessible five years ago and now people have a green space to exercise and walk - it does so much good for people's mental health. It is incredibly disappointing when these things happen but we have to carry on doing what we are doing. We cannot let idiots who vandalise - and that is the only word I have got for them - stop us."
Padiham Farmhouse may date back to the 18th century, or earlier. It appears on the earliest OS map available, which was surveyed in 1844. A very sad end to a building of such great age.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Mr Green said : "Access was very tight but we managed to get up there. It was the roof and the first floor that were well alight when we got there. We were at the scene for around three hours altogether. It was four pumps, so there were around 15 to 20 firefighters. There was a fire investigator but the investigation didn't seem to turn up much."
The farmhouse is located in Cutacre Country Park, just off the A6, Salford Road. The park's ecologist, Bill Mottram fears that vandals caused the blaze following a spate of attacks on the property. Mr Mottram said: "The house was occupied until around December. Three or four weeks ago the house was broken into and it was absolutely trashed. They stole all the copper, they actually dug the floor up, they stole the wood burning stove. It was in a terrible state. We secured the house again and put fences all around it and the electricity had been disconnected - in effect, it was closed off."
He went to the house with contractors after the fire to check the building and was 'gutted' by what he saw. "When I went to see the house on Sunday after the fire I didn't go in because it would have been dangerous - a section of the roof had been completely burned out and slates were falling off," said Mr Mottram. It will have to be decided whether to leave it standing. It is absolutely gutting to see it damaged - it's a lot of time and effort I have invested in getting this country park to the place it is today. Parts of this land were inaccessible five years ago and now people have a green space to exercise and walk - it does so much good for people's mental health. It is incredibly disappointing when these things happen but we have to carry on doing what we are doing. We cannot let idiots who vandalise - and that is the only word I have got for them - stop us."
Padiham Farmhouse may date back to the 18th century, or earlier. It appears on the earliest OS map available, which was surveyed in 1844. A very sad end to a building of such great age.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Near Miss
9 May 2020 (04:01) - Arson investigation into restaurant fire
9 May 2020 (04:01) - Arson investigation into restaurant fire
An investigation is underway into a fire at a restaurant on Wilmslow Road in Alderley Edge which is believed to have been started deliberately. Firefighters were notified of a fire alarm sounding at Yu Restaurant at 4am on Saturday, 9th May. The gas supply to the building was isolated and, after gaining entry to the restaurant, crews discovered that there had been a fire in the bar area that had damaged the floor and some bar stools. The fire was out on arrival. Firefighters ventilated the building before handing the incident over to the police. Firefighters were in attendance for around three-and-a-half hours. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and an investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
Swanky Chinese eatery Yu is also on the same site as Piccolino, which had a major fire on the 2nd January this year. In fact, this building has been very prone to fires in recent years. The building began as a Victorian Villa. It was Brasingamen's Club back in the 90s and early noughties, known as the "Nightclub of the Stars" and a favourite with the super-rich, footballers and Wags. It became the ill-fated Panacea Restaurant, which eventually closed after being gutted by fire in 2008, which destroyed the Victorian interior. Fire struck again in 2013, just a week after a multi-million pound refurbishment to convert it to Piccolinos. It reopened in 2015 as Piccolino's on the ground floor and Yu's on the first floor.
The building is next door to the Grade II listed Queens Court (former Queens Hotel, built 1844), which can be seen to the left on the picture below.
News Source: wilmslow.co.uk
Swanky Chinese eatery Yu is also on the same site as Piccolino, which had a major fire on the 2nd January this year. In fact, this building has been very prone to fires in recent years. The building began as a Victorian Villa. It was Brasingamen's Club back in the 90s and early noughties, known as the "Nightclub of the Stars" and a favourite with the super-rich, footballers and Wags. It became the ill-fated Panacea Restaurant, which eventually closed after being gutted by fire in 2008, which destroyed the Victorian interior. Fire struck again in 2013, just a week after a multi-million pound refurbishment to convert it to Piccolinos. It reopened in 2015 as Piccolino's on the ground floor and Yu's on the first floor.
The building is next door to the Grade II listed Queens Court (former Queens Hotel, built 1844), which can be seen to the left on the picture below.
News Source: wilmslow.co.uk
Listing Details
Entry Name: Former Queen's Hotel
Listing Date: 6 July 1984 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1366192 English Heritage Legacy ID: 58238 Location: Alderley Edge, Cheshire East, SK9 County: Cheshire East Civil Parish: Alderley Edge Built-Up Area: Wilmslow Traditional County: Cheshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cheshire Church of England Parish: Alderley Edge St Philip and St James Church of England Diocese: Chester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.3042 / 53°18'15"N Longitude: -2.237 / 2°14'13"W OS Eastings: 384302 OS Northings: 378610 OS Grid: SJ843786 Mapcode National: GBR DZT7.H7 Mapcode Global: WHBBF.L6ZR |
8 May 2020 (06:00*) - Firefighters tackle blaze at disused pub near Chesterfield
Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at the former Telmere Lodge pub on Mansfield Road in Winsick this morning, Friday, May 8. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said crews from Chesterfield and Staveley stations had attended the ‘derelict’ building shortly after 6am. It said the fire had spread to the roof, and police were asked to close the road while the fire engines remained in place.
The Telmere Lodge building became a pub in 1981 but prior to this it was a large house, called Birchill lodge, built in the late 19th century for the manger of Grassmoor Colliery, which closed in the 1960s. The pub was first called 'The Lodge' and later in the 1990's it was renamed 'Winsick Arms'. The pub then closed for a long time, reopening as ' Telmere Lodge' then simply, its original name, ' The Lodge'. The pub finally closed in early 2017 . The site has been sold and there is planning permission to demolish it and build houses on the site.
News Source: Derbyshire Times
The Telmere Lodge building became a pub in 1981 but prior to this it was a large house, called Birchill lodge, built in the late 19th century for the manger of Grassmoor Colliery, which closed in the 1960s. The pub was first called 'The Lodge' and later in the 1990's it was renamed 'Winsick Arms'. The pub then closed for a long time, reopening as ' Telmere Lodge' then simply, its original name, ' The Lodge'. The pub finally closed in early 2017 . The site has been sold and there is planning permission to demolish it and build houses on the site.
News Source: Derbyshire Times
Near Miss
7 May 2020 (21:30*) - Fire near Margate Lido in Elthelbert Terrace
7 May 2020 (21:30*) - Fire near Margate Lido in Elthelbert Terrace
White smoke billows above Margate Lido from a fire which started near the seafront venue late last night. Crews were called to the promenade in Ethelbert Terrace following reports of a blaze shortly after 9.30pm.
Firefighters sent to the scene managed to extinguish the flames within 15 minutes. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was unable to confirm what was on fire, but it is understood the Lido was unaffected.
Margate’s 1920s seafront Lido was built by John Henry Iles, the creator of Dreamland - Margate’s celebrated pleasure park - and was a vibrant part of the town right up until the 1970s, when it was last used as a disco. The swimming pool (where artist Tracey Emin learnt to swim) was finally shut in the 1980s.
The Lido incorporated the Clifton Baths, built a century earlier between 1824-28 and designated as Grade II listed in 2008 due to their importance in British seaside history - they are one of the earliest surviving sea bathing establishments in the country. The remains of the baths are all subterranean but provide a fascinating reminder of the beginning of seaside tourism.
News Source: Kent Online
Firefighters sent to the scene managed to extinguish the flames within 15 minutes. Kent Fire and Rescue Service was unable to confirm what was on fire, but it is understood the Lido was unaffected.
Margate’s 1920s seafront Lido was built by John Henry Iles, the creator of Dreamland - Margate’s celebrated pleasure park - and was a vibrant part of the town right up until the 1970s, when it was last used as a disco. The swimming pool (where artist Tracey Emin learnt to swim) was finally shut in the 1980s.
The Lido incorporated the Clifton Baths, built a century earlier between 1824-28 and designated as Grade II listed in 2008 due to their importance in British seaside history - they are one of the earliest surviving sea bathing establishments in the country. The remains of the baths are all subterranean but provide a fascinating reminder of the beginning of seaside tourism.
News Source: Kent Online
Listing Details
Entry Name: Remains of the Clifton Baths at Cliftonville Lido
Listing Date: 1 September 2008 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1392729 English Heritage Legacy ID: 503234 Location: Thanet, Kent, CT9 County: Kent District: Thanet Town: Thanet Electoral Ward/Division: Cliftonville West Built-Up Area: Margate Traditional County: Kent Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Kent |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3923 / 51°23'32"N Longitude: 1.3899 / 1°23'23"E OS Eastings: 635929 OS Northings: 171372 OS Grid: TR359713 Mapcode National: GBR WZS.Q6Z Mapcode Global: VHMCP.18NH |
6 May 2020 (05:45) - Vandals set fire to historic building in Witton
Vandals set fire to a Grade II listed building yet again. Fire crews from Blackburn and Pendle attended a roof fire at the old Griffin Lodge at Witton this morning. It was started deliberately as four fire engines from Blackburn and Darwen fire stations were called to the derelict premises on Cavendish Place. Firefighters used one hose reel, two breathing apparatus, two triple extension ladders and breaking in tools to extinguish the fire. Crews were in attendance for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
This is not the first time the building, which dates back to 1824, has been targeted by arsonists. It was last occupied in 2006 as home of the North West Museums Service but the building has been left empty since April that year and fires have deliberately been started on a number of occasions, completely destroying the stables and ruining parts of the lodge. An arson attack on the mansion house in October 2013 left the building as a burnt-out shell.
It was built by Blackburn cotton magnate Thomas Dugdale, who was mayor of Blackburn in 1845, in which time the surrounding 50 acres of land were bought by the Blackburn Corporation to be used as a public park. The house remained owned by the Dugdale family until the mid-1930s. It was bought by Blackburn Corporation in 1937. The entrance and stone setts of the roadway were Grade II listed in 1974 with the whole building being included under the listing in 1986. The coach house has stood empty for more than 10 years and has been the subject of several attempted sales by the council since the mid 1990s.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
This is not the first time the building, which dates back to 1824, has been targeted by arsonists. It was last occupied in 2006 as home of the North West Museums Service but the building has been left empty since April that year and fires have deliberately been started on a number of occasions, completely destroying the stables and ruining parts of the lodge. An arson attack on the mansion house in October 2013 left the building as a burnt-out shell.
It was built by Blackburn cotton magnate Thomas Dugdale, who was mayor of Blackburn in 1845, in which time the surrounding 50 acres of land were bought by the Blackburn Corporation to be used as a public park. The house remained owned by the Dugdale family until the mid-1930s. It was bought by Blackburn Corporation in 1937. The entrance and stone setts of the roadway were Grade II listed in 1974 with the whole building being included under the listing in 1986. The coach house has stood empty for more than 10 years and has been the subject of several attempted sales by the council since the mid 1990s.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
Entry Name: Griffin Lodge
Listing Date: 5 December 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1222899 English Heritage Legacy ID: 418387 Location: Blackburn with Darwen, BB2 County: Blackburn with Darwen Electoral Ward/Division: Mill Hill Built-Up Area: Blackburn Traditional County: Lancashire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Lancashire Church of England Parish: Blackburn St Luke, St Mark and St Philip Church of England Diocese: Blackburn |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.7401 / 53°44'24"N Longitude: -2.5038 / 2°30'13"W OS Eastings: 366866 OS Northings: 427198 OS Grid: SD668271 Mapcode National: GBR BTY6.Q0 Mapcode Global: WH971.H8Y3 |
5 May 2020 (18:46) - Arsonists target former RAF Upwood site again
The fire at the former RAF site was started deliberately. Fire crews were called to tackle a blaze at a former airbase - the third attack in three weeks. A crew from Ramsey arrived at the former RAF Upwood site at 6.46pm yesterday (May 5) to find a building on fire. Firefighters had to use a hose reel to extinguish the fire, before returning to their station by 7.30pm.
Less than three weeks ago crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the site April 17 to reports of a large bonfire containing wood, tyres and rubbish. A second crew from Huntingdon and one crew from Ramsey were called to a building fire at site on April 18. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a derelict building and had to use a hose reel and drags to extinguish the blaze. They believe both fires had been started deliberately. Anyone with information should contact police.
RAF Upwood was shut by the Ministry of Defence in 1994, but attempts to develop the land failed to take off. The site, which has been subject to arson attacks and vandalism over the past decade, was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps - before it became home to RAF squadrons and expanded from 1936. The airbase has played host to both British and American services and was the set of a 1953 Hollywood movie.
News Source: The Hunts Post
Less than three weeks ago crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the site April 17 to reports of a large bonfire containing wood, tyres and rubbish. A second crew from Huntingdon and one crew from Ramsey were called to a building fire at site on April 18. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a derelict building and had to use a hose reel and drags to extinguish the blaze. They believe both fires had been started deliberately. Anyone with information should contact police.
RAF Upwood was shut by the Ministry of Defence in 1994, but attempts to develop the land failed to take off. The site, which has been subject to arson attacks and vandalism over the past decade, was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps - before it became home to RAF squadrons and expanded from 1936. The airbase has played host to both British and American services and was the set of a 1953 Hollywood movie.
News Source: The Hunts Post
4 May 2020 (16:45) - Fire at York city centre shop closes street
A fire at a shop in York briefly closed a city centre street. The fire broke out at the Hair Universe shop on the corner of Nessgate and Coppergate. Firefighters from York, Acomb and Huntington were sent to the scene after receiving the call at 4.45pm today (Monday). They found the fascia around a shop window on fire. Crews using a dry powder extinguisher to put out the flames. Coppergate was briefly closed while they dealt with the incident. It has since reopened. The fire is believed to be caused by an electrical fault. No one was hurt.
The building occupied by Hair Universe at 5 – 7 Nessgate is a Grade II listed mid-19th century building. It lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area.
News Source: YorkMix
The building occupied by Hair Universe at 5 – 7 Nessgate is a Grade II listed mid-19th century building. It lies within the York Central Historic Core Conservation Area.
News Source: YorkMix
Listing Details
Entry Name: 5 and 7, Nessgate
Listing Date: 14 March 1997 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1257091 English Heritage Legacy ID: 464258 Location: York, YO1 County: York Electoral Ward/Division: Guildhall Built-Up Area: York Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): North Yorkshire Church of England Parish: York All Saints, Pavement Church of England Diocese: York |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.9576 / 53°57'27"N Longitude: -1.0818 / 1°4'54"W OS Eastings: 460348 OS Northings: 451671 OS Grid: SE603516 Mapcode National: GBR NQWP.L1 Mapcode Global: WHFC3.CS3D |
3 May 2020 (22:24) – Emergency services rush to huge blaze at Impington college after 'two large explosions'
Fire crews from Cambridge, Cottenham, Sawston, Papworth, Huntingdon and St Ives have rushed to a fire in Impington after residents described hearing a 'huge explosion' in the area. Images from the scene show a large amount of smoke billowing into the air in the area close to Impington Village College, near Cambridge. Eyewitnesses nearby said flames 'reached 50ft in places'. Others claimed there was a number of explosions, which followed a 'hissing sound'.
Crews arrived to find a large skip and further rubbish well alight, which had spread to a building. Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread. A spokesperson for Impington Village College has confirmed nobody was hurt in the fire this evening.The main college building is “fine and untouched” and most of the damage seems to have affected the roofing compound. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were thanked for their efforts.
It later emerged that the fire did spread to the roof of the building, but was stopped before it did any major damage. Sgt Emma Hilson, from the South Cambridgeshire neighbourhood team, said: “It is believed this was a deliberate act and we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity or unfamiliar people in the area around the time of the incident. Thankfully the damage to the school was fairly minimal and staff and teachers caring for key workers' children have been able to resume as normal.”
Impington Village College is a mixed secondary school and sixth form located in Impington in Cambridgeshire. The building, which dates from 1938 – 9, was designed by Walter Gropius, founder of The Bauhaus School of Architecture, and his partner Maxwell Fry. It is the only example of Gropius's work in Britain and the building is now Grade I listed.
This incident was initially listed as a Near Miss, but has since been upgraded to a Fire.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Live
Crews arrived to find a large skip and further rubbish well alight, which had spread to a building. Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread. A spokesperson for Impington Village College has confirmed nobody was hurt in the fire this evening.The main college building is “fine and untouched” and most of the damage seems to have affected the roofing compound. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were thanked for their efforts.
It later emerged that the fire did spread to the roof of the building, but was stopped before it did any major damage. Sgt Emma Hilson, from the South Cambridgeshire neighbourhood team, said: “It is believed this was a deliberate act and we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity or unfamiliar people in the area around the time of the incident. Thankfully the damage to the school was fairly minimal and staff and teachers caring for key workers' children have been able to resume as normal.”
Impington Village College is a mixed secondary school and sixth form located in Impington in Cambridgeshire. The building, which dates from 1938 – 9, was designed by Walter Gropius, founder of The Bauhaus School of Architecture, and his partner Maxwell Fry. It is the only example of Gropius's work in Britain and the building is now Grade I listed.
This incident was initially listed as a Near Miss, but has since been upgraded to a Fire.
News Source: Cambridgeshire Live
Listing Details
Entry Name: Village College
Listing Date: 28 January 1971 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1331296 English Heritage Legacy ID: 50632 Location: Impington, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, CB24 County: Cambridgeshire District: South Cambridgeshire Civil Parish: Impington Built-Up Area: Histon Traditional County: Cambridgeshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cambridgeshire Church of England Parish: Impington St Andrew Church of England Diocese: Ely |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.2477 / 52°14'51"N Longitude: 0.117 / 0°7'1"E OS Eastings: 544622 OS Northings: 263170 OS Grid: TL446631 Mapcode National: GBR L6X.0DC Mapcode Global: VHHJW.ZR6S |
1 May 2020 (15:15*) - Firefighters put out blaze at house in Devizes town centre
Fire crews were alerted to a blaze at a house in Devizes town centre yesterday afternoon. Firefighters from Devizes station were called to Monday Market Street at about 3.15pm after a blaze was reported. A fire service spokesman said: "The Devizes crew used small tools to cut away and a hose reel and thermal imaging camera to help extinguish a small fire in the door frame. Trowbridge fire station was stood down."
It is not clear which property was affected, however the majority of buildings in Monday Market Street are commercial, with only a small number of houses, one of which is No 8, Great Porch House, which is Grade II* and one of the earliest surviving buildings of Devizes. The others are Grade II listed. Monday Market Street lies within the Devizes Conservation Area.
News Source: Wiltshire Times
It is not clear which property was affected, however the majority of buildings in Monday Market Street are commercial, with only a small number of houses, one of which is No 8, Great Porch House, which is Grade II* and one of the earliest surviving buildings of Devizes. The others are Grade II listed. Monday Market Street lies within the Devizes Conservation Area.
News Source: Wiltshire Times
Listing Details
Entry Name: Great Porch House
Listing Date: 9 April 1954 Grade: II* Source: Historic England Source ID: 1250885 English Heritage Legacy ID: 433382 Location: Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Devizes Built-Up Area: Devizes Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire Church of England Parish: Devizes St John Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3528 / 51°21'10"N Longitude: -1.9924 / 1°59'32"W OS Eastings: 400621 OS Northings: 161523 OS Grid: SU006615 Mapcode National: GBR 2V1.12X Mapcode Global: VHB4G.F819 |
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
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March - 36 Fires & 6 Near Misses
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
Click HERE for Expert Specialist Fire Safety Risk Assessments for Historic and Listed Buildings
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February - 34 Fires & 6 Near Misses
Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
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Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales, CH5 1PE
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Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection is a trading style of Dragon Fire Safety