67 Fires & 9 Near Misses in
Heritage Building Fires Recorded on the 2020 Database in
September and October
(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 Building Fires Recorded on the 2020 Database in
September and October
(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
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Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
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October - 29 Fires & 3 Near Misses
Near Miss
31 October 2020 (22:00*) - 'Disrespectful' thugs filmed firing rockets at Liver Building
31 October 2020 (22:00*) - 'Disrespectful' thugs filmed firing rockets at Liver Building
A shocking video has emerged showing men firing rockets at the Liver Building, just months after a man was charged for doing the same thing. Footage shows a man holding a traffic cone over his shoulder pointed towards the Liver Building. A second man then lights a rocket inside the cone and it is fired at the iconic Liverpool landmark. The firework can then be seen hitting the building and exploding into colour. All the while, spectators can be heard cheering and laughing.
A second rocket is launched but it misses and hits the ground.
Merseyside Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing for information from members of the public. It is believed that the incident may have happened around 10pm on Saturday, October 31, however that has not yet been confirmed. Superintendent Andy Rankine said: “A man was charged and sentenced earlier this year after targeting this famous landmark with a firework and causing a small fire to start in a separate incident. Thankfully, it does not appear the firework caused any serious damage on this occasion, but we will not tolerate people who risk causing criminal damage to any building in this way. An investigation is now underway to find those responsible for this reckless and disrespectful act. We work very closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities in relation to the illegal sale and use of fireworks, particularly at this time of year, to prevent incidents like this from happening again. If you have any information on those involved in this incident, please do the right thing and come forward.”
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
A second rocket is launched but it misses and hits the ground.
Merseyside Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing for information from members of the public. It is believed that the incident may have happened around 10pm on Saturday, October 31, however that has not yet been confirmed. Superintendent Andy Rankine said: “A man was charged and sentenced earlier this year after targeting this famous landmark with a firework and causing a small fire to start in a separate incident. Thankfully, it does not appear the firework caused any serious damage on this occasion, but we will not tolerate people who risk causing criminal damage to any building in this way. An investigation is now underway to find those responsible for this reckless and disrespectful act. We work very closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities in relation to the illegal sale and use of fireworks, particularly at this time of year, to prevent incidents like this from happening again. If you have any information on those involved in this incident, please do the right thing and come forward.”
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
A firework strikes the Liver Building
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Listing Details
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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 |
31 October 2020 (19:44) - Firefighters called after yob stuffs firework through Stoke-on-Trent care home letterbox
Yobs stuffed a firework through the letter box at a Stoke-on-Trent care home. Firefighters were called to Regent Road in Hanley shortly before 7.45pm today (October 31). Eyewitnesses report a care home was evacuated after a firework was shoved through the letter box.One said: "Residents have been evacuated. They were sitting in an outbuilding being given hot drinks."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews attended and provided advice to a care home in the city centre. A spokesman said: "We were called to a care home after it is believed a firework was put through the letter box. Advice was given about securing the letter box in the future. Crews from Hanley and Newcastle were called at 7.44pm."
The Regent Road Care Home is run by Shelton Care. Half of the premises is a building known as Regent House and was built in 1880, and enlarged in 1882, by Ambrose Wood, Wholesale Tile Merchant.
News Source: Stoke Sentinel / Stoke on Trent Live
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews attended and provided advice to a care home in the city centre. A spokesman said: "We were called to a care home after it is believed a firework was put through the letter box. Advice was given about securing the letter box in the future. Crews from Hanley and Newcastle were called at 7.44pm."
The Regent Road Care Home is run by Shelton Care. Half of the premises is a building known as Regent House and was built in 1880, and enlarged in 1882, by Ambrose Wood, Wholesale Tile Merchant.
News Source: Stoke Sentinel / Stoke on Trent Live
Firefighters in Regent Road. (Image: Karen Poole)
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
from: A descriptive account of The Potteries (illustrated) 1893 advertising and trade journal. Page 34
Mr. Ambrose Wood, Wholesale Tile Merchant
Regent House, Hanley
"The manufacture of fancy tiles has become of late years and industry of the very first importance in this country, and from all the outward visible signs that we note on every hand there are manifest grounds for believing that the business in question is destined to reach much larger proportions that it has yet assumed.
It would be alien to our purpose and beyond our scope to trace the place of tiles in our ancient decorative systems. We find them on the brightly coloured walls of the Egyptian and Assyrian temples, and they contribute in no small degree to the grandiose pomp of Roman floor ornamentation until the decadence of the latter gave birth to the more bizarre, but often beautiful forms affected by the art workers of the Byzantine period.
But we must direct attention to the achievements of the tile manufacturer in these closing years of the nineteenth century, and in this connection while dealing with the industrial history of Haley one name comes to our mind with special force. We need hardly say that we refer to Mt. Ambrose Wood, of Regent House, a gentleman who has done more than any man in the Potteries district to improve the popular taste in the matter of tiles by devoting artistic energies of a highly cultured order entirely and exclusively into this channel of activity. Mr Ambrose Wood is by training and architect, but twenty years ago he entered upon the business he is now engaged in.
He built the spacious warehouse he occupies, a three-storey building of buff brick, embellished with tiles of very artistic design. Herein will be found an immense stock, embracing all the newest ideas in encaustic plain floor tiles, glazed hearth tiles, dados, walls, and, indeed, every variety known to the trade.
Mr. Wood, besides employing a large staff of workmen at his Hanley warehouse, has also secured the services of a number of experienced tile fixers, many of whom are constantly employed in the English Metropolis alone. Contracts are undertaken in any part of the United Kingdom for the laying of tiles to any extent, and orders are executed with the most exemplary precision and despatch.
Mr. Wood has spared neither effort nor expense to ensure the satisfaction and promote the best interests of his patrons in all parts of the country, and to this spirit of conscientious enterprise and good faith we venture to directly attribute the achievement of that great success which had made his name so popular in connection with the British tile trade."
29 October 2020 (18:05*) - Cannabis factory discovered after fire in Cwmfelinfach pub
A cannabis factory was discovered by police after emergency services were called to fight a fire at the former Pioneer Hotel. Reports of a fire at a disused pub in Cwmfelinfach were received by emergency services shortly after 6pm on Thursday. The small fire was in the basement of the property in Maindee Road, and closed the road.
No one was injured in the fire, but on arrival police discovered a large scale cannabis factory at the property. More than 2,000 plants of varying maturity were found, as well as hydroponics equipment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Local inspector, Andrew Boucher said: “Officers and our crime scene investigators are making further enquiries at the scene this morning. I would appeal to anyone with information relating to the fire or cannabis factory to get in touch. I would also encourage all members of our local communities to contact us if they see any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, especially around derelict buildings.”
The Pioneer Hotel is a Grade II listed building. It was built in about 1903, with a lease of 99 years from that date, to serve Nine Mile Point Colliery. It was sold in 1909 for £26,000; at this time owned by Griffiths Bros of Newport. The sale notice lists its facilites: in basement 2 large Beer Cellars, Wine Cellar, Minerals Cellar, Kitchen, Scullery, Larder. Ground floor had Public Bar, Luncheon Bar, Commercial Room, Smoke Room, Coffee Room, Jug and Bottle Department, Tap Room, Manager's Sitting Room, Lobby, WCs. First floor had large Club Room. Billiard Room, Servery, Lift from Gournd Floor, Cloakroom, Bathroom, 2 Lavatories. Second floor had 10 bedrooms. Early photographs show chimneys but otherwise the frontage little altered.: it had a second sign Pioneer Hotel on the left bay and outbuildings now demolished to the right.
News Source: South Wales Argus
No one was injured in the fire, but on arrival police discovered a large scale cannabis factory at the property. More than 2,000 plants of varying maturity were found, as well as hydroponics equipment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Local inspector, Andrew Boucher said: “Officers and our crime scene investigators are making further enquiries at the scene this morning. I would appeal to anyone with information relating to the fire or cannabis factory to get in touch. I would also encourage all members of our local communities to contact us if they see any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, especially around derelict buildings.”
The Pioneer Hotel is a Grade II listed building. It was built in about 1903, with a lease of 99 years from that date, to serve Nine Mile Point Colliery. It was sold in 1909 for £26,000; at this time owned by Griffiths Bros of Newport. The sale notice lists its facilites: in basement 2 large Beer Cellars, Wine Cellar, Minerals Cellar, Kitchen, Scullery, Larder. Ground floor had Public Bar, Luncheon Bar, Commercial Room, Smoke Room, Coffee Room, Jug and Bottle Department, Tap Room, Manager's Sitting Room, Lobby, WCs. First floor had large Club Room. Billiard Room, Servery, Lift from Gournd Floor, Cloakroom, Bathroom, 2 Lavatories. Second floor had 10 bedrooms. Early photographs show chimneys but otherwise the frontage little altered.: it had a second sign Pioneer Hotel on the left bay and outbuildings now demolished to the right.
News Source: South Wales Argus
Fire at the disused Pioneer Hotel in Cwmfelinfach
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Pioneer Hotel
Listing Date: 16 September 1999 Last Amended: 16 September 1999 Grade: II Source: Cadw Source ID: 22319 Building Class: Commercial Location: Right in the centre of Cwmfelin-fach at the junction of five roads. County: Caerphilly Community: Ynysddu (Ynys-ddu) Community: Ynysddu Locality: Cwmfelin-fach Built-Up Area: Cwmfelinfach Traditional County: Monmouthshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.6187 / 51°37'7"N Longitude: -3.1789 / 3°10'43"W OS Eastings: 318479 OS Northings: 191751 OS Grid: ST184917 Mapcode National: GBR HY.973J Mapcode Global: VH6DM.VKBZ Plus Code: 9C3RJR9C+FF |
28 October 2020 (20:55*) - Hotel evacuated as fire breaks out – crews rush to the scene in Shanklin
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have mobilised to a hotel fire in Shanklin tonight (Wednesday). Fire crews from Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor are on scene at Holliers Hotel in the Old Village. An Aerial Ladder Platform from Newport is also in attendance alongside the Incident Command Unit – also from Newport. The fire has broken out in the laundry room to the rear of the hotel. Crews wearing breathing apparatus have entered the building to contain and extinguish the fire, which appears to be under control.
The main Shanklin to Ventnor Road is blocked in both directions whilst the incident is dealt with. Southern Vectis buses will divert via Whiteley Bank until further notice. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service initially dispatched an ambulance crew to the scene but they have quickly stood down.
Leighton Bryant, Tactical Advisor for the incident, has confirmed that around 30 residents have been evacuated and are currently sheltering in the nearby Crab Inn. The fire, which broke out in an outbuilding used as a laundry room at just before 21:00, has now been extinguished. Firefighters are using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots and are cutting away to ensure the fire does not reignite. 4 breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets and 1 hydrant have been used to tackle the fire, which is thought to have started in either a tumble dryer or washing machine. Firefighters were decontaminated due to the potential presence of asbestos in the damaged outbuilding.
It was the aim was to get residents back in the hotel for the night, subject to safety and electrical checks. But by 10.30pm, the decision was taken that patrons would have to seek alternative accommodation for the night. The same is said for a neighbouring property. The Channel View Hotel in Shanklin have offered assistance, if required. The Isle of Wight Fire and a Rescue Service are beginning to stand down from the incident.
Update: Fire crews have been called back to Holliers Hotel in Shanklin this morning (Thursday) following last night’s laundry room fire. Appliances from Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor have been mobilised to Church Road in the Old Village alongside the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit from Newport. It’s understood the fire, which was extinguished shortly before 22:00 last night, has reignited – despite crews damping down and cutting away.
Originally built in the late 17th or early 18th century as a coaching inn, Holliers is the oldest hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight and is still licensed to post horses! It originally had a thatched roof, as the surrounding cottages do. It was substantially extended during the Victorian era when it was known as called Williams Hotel, run by William & Alice Hollier, who died respectively in 1875 and 1879. It lies within the Shanklin Conservation Area.
News Source: Island Echo
The main Shanklin to Ventnor Road is blocked in both directions whilst the incident is dealt with. Southern Vectis buses will divert via Whiteley Bank until further notice. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service initially dispatched an ambulance crew to the scene but they have quickly stood down.
Leighton Bryant, Tactical Advisor for the incident, has confirmed that around 30 residents have been evacuated and are currently sheltering in the nearby Crab Inn. The fire, which broke out in an outbuilding used as a laundry room at just before 21:00, has now been extinguished. Firefighters are using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots and are cutting away to ensure the fire does not reignite. 4 breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets and 1 hydrant have been used to tackle the fire, which is thought to have started in either a tumble dryer or washing machine. Firefighters were decontaminated due to the potential presence of asbestos in the damaged outbuilding.
It was the aim was to get residents back in the hotel for the night, subject to safety and electrical checks. But by 10.30pm, the decision was taken that patrons would have to seek alternative accommodation for the night. The same is said for a neighbouring property. The Channel View Hotel in Shanklin have offered assistance, if required. The Isle of Wight Fire and a Rescue Service are beginning to stand down from the incident.
Update: Fire crews have been called back to Holliers Hotel in Shanklin this morning (Thursday) following last night’s laundry room fire. Appliances from Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor have been mobilised to Church Road in the Old Village alongside the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit from Newport. It’s understood the fire, which was extinguished shortly before 22:00 last night, has reignited – despite crews damping down and cutting away.
Originally built in the late 17th or early 18th century as a coaching inn, Holliers is the oldest hotel in Shanklin, Isle of Wight and is still licensed to post horses! It originally had a thatched roof, as the surrounding cottages do. It was substantially extended during the Victorian era when it was known as called Williams Hotel, run by William & Alice Hollier, who died respectively in 1875 and 1879. It lies within the Shanklin Conservation Area.
News Source: Island Echo
Fire crews from Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor are on scene at Holliers Hotel in the Old Village
Near Miss
26 October 2020 (19:23) - Fire service called to bin blaze at Boscombe Pier
26 October 2020 (19:23) - Fire service called to bin blaze at Boscombe Pier
A fire crew responded to a bin fire at Boscombe Pier on Monday evening. At 7.23pm, one fire engine from Southbourne Fire Station was called to the bin fire at Boscombe Pier. The crew extinguished the fire using a hose reel and the blaze was under control by 7.35pm. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service urged people to take care when discarding flammable or lit objects.
The pier opened on 28th July 1889. The Pier 'neck' or entrance building to the pier was built in 1958-60 by Bournemouth Borough Engineer's Department and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Daily Echo
The pier opened on 28th July 1889. The Pier 'neck' or entrance building to the pier was built in 1958-60 by Bournemouth Borough Engineer's Department and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Daily Echo
Boscombe Pier
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Neck or Entrance Building at Boscombe Pier
Listing Date: 8 December 2004 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1391158 English Heritage Legacy ID: 491448 Location: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH5 County: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Electoral Ward/Division: Boscombe West Built-Up Area: Bournemouth Traditional County: Hampshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Dorset Church of England Parish: Bournemouth St Andrew, Boscombe Church of England Diocese: Winchester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.7198 / 50°43'11"N Longitude: -1.8432 / 1°50'35"W OS Eastings: 411167 OS Northings: 91140 OS Grid: SZ111911 Mapcode National: GBR XCX.45 Mapcode Global: FRA 7705.RRN Plus Code: 9C2WP594+WP |
uilding History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Boscombe Pier Company was formed in 1886 and the first pile was laid on 11th October 1888. Designed by Archibald Smith, the 600 foot pier opened on 28th July 1889 but, initially, was not successful.
The local council took over the pier in 1904 and erected buildings at the entrance and on the pier-head. Facilities included a busy steamer landing stage. In 1940, the pier was breached for defence reasons. In 1924/5 and 1927, the head was renewed in high alumina concrete and, between 1958 and 1960, the neck was reconstructed using reinforced concrete.
A restaurant and the Mermaid Theatre were built at the pier-head in 1961 although the ‘Theatre’, in fact, opened as a covered roller-skating rink for its first two seasons. In April 1965, the leaseholder, Cleethorpes Amusements, converted it into an arcade. The council formally took over the Mermaid ‘Theatre’ in 1988 when the lease ended.
From June 1982, the council began pursuing a policy of joint redevelopment with private leisure organisations with a view to reconstructing the pier-head which closed, on safety grounds, in 1990. The neck of the pier remained open but the Mermaid ‘Theatre’ was just used as a storage area.
In 2008, the area around Boscombe pier underwent extensive renovation. The derelict and unsafe building at the end of the pier was demolished, and replaced by a simple viewing and fishing platform. The rest of the pier was also restored.
In June 2010, at the National Piers Society Annual General Meeting at Bournemouth, the Pier of the Year award was accepted by the MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, and a representative of Inspieration on behalf of Boscombe Pier. In August 2010, a memorial bench was installed on the pier to remember four surfers who died between 2005 and 2009. In April 2011, the Boscombe land train route was extended to Boscombe precinct and was an immediate success.
Then in June 2011, just three years after the renovation project, the concrete casing around some of the pier supports appeared to be crumbling after it was reported to have been hit by a contractor’s barge. And by September 2011, every pile supporting the pier showed hairline cracks. Bournemouth Borough Council said the pier remained structurally sound and safe for public use while investigations regarding repair work continued.
In August 2011, the lights on the pier were turned off because, it was claimed, they kept leaking rainwater and short circuiting. In March 2012, it was reported that Bournemouth Council had to share a bill of over £5,500 to repair the pier lights after they kept short circuiting in the rain. They had earlier been off for a year after contractor Carillion fitted them during a £2.4million renovation.
In April 2015, a month after questions had been raised once again about cracks in Boscombe Pier, a councillor said nothing has been done to rectify the problem. The issue was first raised in 2011 when every pile supporting the pier showed hairline cracks.
In July 2016 it was reported that the UK’s first ever eco-friendly mini golf attraction which had opened on the pier the previous month, had proven very successful. The specially-made golf balls contained fish food and the final four holes were at the end of the pier with the 18th being bottomless so the ball could fall into the sea.
September 2019 – Should Boscombe Pier be privatised to ease traffic congestion?
The suggestion came after the BCP Council cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, said he was “keen” to look at water buses as a way of reducing congestion across the conurbation.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Boscombe Pier Company was formed in 1886 and the first pile was laid on 11th October 1888. Designed by Archibald Smith, the 600 foot pier opened on 28th July 1889 but, initially, was not successful.
The local council took over the pier in 1904 and erected buildings at the entrance and on the pier-head. Facilities included a busy steamer landing stage. In 1940, the pier was breached for defence reasons. In 1924/5 and 1927, the head was renewed in high alumina concrete and, between 1958 and 1960, the neck was reconstructed using reinforced concrete.
A restaurant and the Mermaid Theatre were built at the pier-head in 1961 although the ‘Theatre’, in fact, opened as a covered roller-skating rink for its first two seasons. In April 1965, the leaseholder, Cleethorpes Amusements, converted it into an arcade. The council formally took over the Mermaid ‘Theatre’ in 1988 when the lease ended.
From June 1982, the council began pursuing a policy of joint redevelopment with private leisure organisations with a view to reconstructing the pier-head which closed, on safety grounds, in 1990. The neck of the pier remained open but the Mermaid ‘Theatre’ was just used as a storage area.
In 2008, the area around Boscombe pier underwent extensive renovation. The derelict and unsafe building at the end of the pier was demolished, and replaced by a simple viewing and fishing platform. The rest of the pier was also restored.
In June 2010, at the National Piers Society Annual General Meeting at Bournemouth, the Pier of the Year award was accepted by the MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, and a representative of Inspieration on behalf of Boscombe Pier. In August 2010, a memorial bench was installed on the pier to remember four surfers who died between 2005 and 2009. In April 2011, the Boscombe land train route was extended to Boscombe precinct and was an immediate success.
Then in June 2011, just three years after the renovation project, the concrete casing around some of the pier supports appeared to be crumbling after it was reported to have been hit by a contractor’s barge. And by September 2011, every pile supporting the pier showed hairline cracks. Bournemouth Borough Council said the pier remained structurally sound and safe for public use while investigations regarding repair work continued.
In August 2011, the lights on the pier were turned off because, it was claimed, they kept leaking rainwater and short circuiting. In March 2012, it was reported that Bournemouth Council had to share a bill of over £5,500 to repair the pier lights after they kept short circuiting in the rain. They had earlier been off for a year after contractor Carillion fitted them during a £2.4million renovation.
In April 2015, a month after questions had been raised once again about cracks in Boscombe Pier, a councillor said nothing has been done to rectify the problem. The issue was first raised in 2011 when every pile supporting the pier showed hairline cracks.
In July 2016 it was reported that the UK’s first ever eco-friendly mini golf attraction which had opened on the pier the previous month, had proven very successful. The specially-made golf balls contained fish food and the final four holes were at the end of the pier with the 18th being bottomless so the ball could fall into the sea.
September 2019 – Should Boscombe Pier be privatised to ease traffic congestion?
The suggestion came after the BCP Council cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, said he was “keen” to look at water buses as a way of reducing congestion across the conurbation.
24 October 2020 (23:30*) - Gwent Police appeal over Twyn-y-Ffrwd pub fire in Abersychan
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information following what is believed to be a deliberate fire at a pub. The fire happened at the Twyn-y-Ffrwd Inn, in Ffrwd Road, Abersychan, on Saturday, October 24, at around 11.30pm. The residents were home at the time, police said, but nobody was injured in the fire and damage to the property was limited.
Gwent Police said the suspected offender reportedly ran towards the pub from Lower Harpers Road, and returned that way after the incident. The fire is being treated as deliberate, and anyone with information should contact Gwent Police by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 2000388815. Alternatively, send a direct message with information to Gwent Police on Facebook or Twitter.
Pronounced 'Toon-i-frood', this cosy nook lies in a quiet backwater just off the main Blaenavon/Pontypool road. It was once two cottages believed to have been built in 1835 but recorded as a pub in 1837. It is not listed but gets a short mention in Real Heritage Pubs of Wales.
News Source: South Wales Argus
Gwent Police said the suspected offender reportedly ran towards the pub from Lower Harpers Road, and returned that way after the incident. The fire is being treated as deliberate, and anyone with information should contact Gwent Police by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 2000388815. Alternatively, send a direct message with information to Gwent Police on Facebook or Twitter.
Pronounced 'Toon-i-frood', this cosy nook lies in a quiet backwater just off the main Blaenavon/Pontypool road. It was once two cottages believed to have been built in 1835 but recorded as a pub in 1837. It is not listed but gets a short mention in Real Heritage Pubs of Wales.
News Source: South Wales Argus
The Twyn-y-Ffrwd pub in Abersychan. Picture: Google
23 October 2020 (22:22) - Homeless people evacuated amid Kemp Town hotel fire
A hotel housing homeless people was evacuated when fire broke out. Fire engines and ambulances were called to Gulliver’s Hotel in New Steine, Brighton, shortly before 10.30pm on Friday. The people inside were evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze. A nearby resident said: “I saw five engines, two ambulances as well as police. There was strong smell of burning and smoke.”
Sussex Police said they were called by the fire service at 10.22pm. “The premises were evacuated by them and management but there were no reports of any injuries,” a force spokesman said. “They contacted us again 45 minutes later and confirmed that the fire was accidental. There is no police investigation.”
Brighton and Hove City Council said it was working with fire service to ensure safety across the city. In late March, the government demanded that all councils must provide accommodation for every rough sleeper and gave the authorities money to achieve it. Brighton and Hove City Council homed its rough sleepers, reported to number about 200 at the time, by brokering deals with hotels and guest houses which were unable to accommodate guests following the announcement of lockdown measures. A council spokesman said: “The fire was quickly extinguished without damage being caused to the property and no resident was displaced. We work closely with the fire service to ensure the safety of homeless people in temporary accommodation.”
Gulliver’s Hotel is part of a Grade II listed terrace row. The buildings were originally houses when they were built in the early 19th century, but most have now been turned into hotels and guest houses.
News Source: The Argus
Sussex Police said they were called by the fire service at 10.22pm. “The premises were evacuated by them and management but there were no reports of any injuries,” a force spokesman said. “They contacted us again 45 minutes later and confirmed that the fire was accidental. There is no police investigation.”
Brighton and Hove City Council said it was working with fire service to ensure safety across the city. In late March, the government demanded that all councils must provide accommodation for every rough sleeper and gave the authorities money to achieve it. Brighton and Hove City Council homed its rough sleepers, reported to number about 200 at the time, by brokering deals with hotels and guest houses which were unable to accommodate guests following the announcement of lockdown measures. A council spokesman said: “The fire was quickly extinguished without damage being caused to the property and no resident was displaced. We work closely with the fire service to ensure the safety of homeless people in temporary accommodation.”
Gulliver’s Hotel is part of a Grade II listed terrace row. The buildings were originally houses when they were built in the early 19th century, but most have now been turned into hotels and guest houses.
News Source: The Argus
Fire at Gulliver's hotel in New Steine
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Numbers 2-15 and Attached Railings
Listing Date: 20 August 1971 Last Amended: 26 August 1999 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1380588 English Heritage Legacy ID: 480911 Location: Brighton and Hove, BN2 County: Brighton and Hove Electoral Ward/Division: Queen's Park Built-Up Area: Brighton and Hove Traditional County: Sussex Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): East Sussex Church of England Parish: Kemp Town St Mary the Virgin Church of England Diocese: Chichester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.82 / 50°49'11"N Longitude: -0.1321 / 0°7'55"W OS Eastings: 531672 OS Northings: 103931 OS Grid: TQ316039 Mapcode National: GBR JP4.HFV Mapcode Global: FRA B6MX.SF6 Plus Code: 9C2XRV99+X5 |
23 October 2020 (19:00*) - The Old Kent Market in Margate temporarily shut after electrical fire
A popular food and crafts market has temporarily shut after an electrical fire triggered a power outage. Fire crews were called to The Old Kent Market in Fort Hill, Margate on Friday evening to reports of an electrical box alight. Two fire engines arrived around 6pm and crews used dry power fire extinguishers to put the blaze out and isolate the power. However, cuts to the supply meant businesses who occupy the property were unable to ply their trade. Yesterday the market posted on social media: "Hi all, unfortunately we have been struck by a power cut here at the market and will not be open today or tomorrow. Hopefully this will be fixed ASAP. I will keep everyone updated when it has been fixed."
The building was originally The Parade Cinema which opened on 26th June 1911. Typical of a purpose-built cinema of its era, it had a barrel vaulted ceiling, and all seating was on a single floor. The right-hand side of the auditorium was extended beyond the main body of the auditorium, which gave a distorted view onto the screen for seating on that side. A sliding roof was provided for ventilation. The Parade Cinema was renovated in 1937. By 1952, it had been taken over by the Classic Cinemas chain, and was re-named Classic Repertory Cinema. It was closed in 1963, and became a Vogue Bingo Club.
From July 1979 to November 1981, it went back to cinema use as a 16mm cinema club screening uncensored sex films, and was operated as the New Parade Cinema. In 1982, it was converted into a snooker club. A false ceiling has been inserted in the auditorium, hiding the original barrel vaulted ceiling, and the main entrance has been partially bricked in. Latterly it was known as the Thanet Matchroom Social Club and now The Old Kent Market. The building has been lovingly restored to incorporate its history and heritage.
News Source: Kent Online
The building was originally The Parade Cinema which opened on 26th June 1911. Typical of a purpose-built cinema of its era, it had a barrel vaulted ceiling, and all seating was on a single floor. The right-hand side of the auditorium was extended beyond the main body of the auditorium, which gave a distorted view onto the screen for seating on that side. A sliding roof was provided for ventilation. The Parade Cinema was renovated in 1937. By 1952, it had been taken over by the Classic Cinemas chain, and was re-named Classic Repertory Cinema. It was closed in 1963, and became a Vogue Bingo Club.
From July 1979 to November 1981, it went back to cinema use as a 16mm cinema club screening uncensored sex films, and was operated as the New Parade Cinema. In 1982, it was converted into a snooker club. A false ceiling has been inserted in the auditorium, hiding the original barrel vaulted ceiling, and the main entrance has been partially bricked in. Latterly it was known as the Thanet Matchroom Social Club and now The Old Kent Market. The building has been lovingly restored to incorporate its history and heritage.
News Source: Kent Online
British Red Cross Dorset Emergency response shared this picture from the scene of the fire last night
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 1 and 2
Listing Date: 26 January 1956 Last Amended: 27 October 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1119238 English Heritage Legacy ID: 105942 Location: Poxwell, Dorset, DT2 County: Dorset District: West Dorset Civil Parish: Poxwell Traditional County: Dorset Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Dorset Church of England Parish: Osmington with Poxwell St Osmond Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.6584 / 50°39'30"N Longitude: -2.3652 / 2°21'54"W OS Eastings: 374278 OS Northings: 84369 OS Grid: SY742843 Mapcode National: GBR 106.NTJ Mapcode Global: FRA 57YB.DCN Plus Code: 9C2VMJ5M+9W |
(Credit: Google)
22 October 2020 (21:35) - Police to investigate fire at Bradford's Barkerend Mills
Another fire has blighted the derelict Barkerend Mills near Bradford city centre. Three crews from Bradford, Fairweather Green and Stanningley were called out at 9.35pm last night to reports of a fire on the ground and first floor. The fire was extinguished using two hose reel jets, one aerial ladder platform and six breathing apparatus sets and positive pressure ventilation.
A spokesperson for the fire service said it was believed to be "deliberate". The spokesperson added: "It was fairly substantial. It's a derelict mill anyway but there was about 25 per cent of the ground and first floor involved. Police will be investigating."
At the height of its operation, six storey Barkerend Mills, just outside of Bradford city centre, employed over 400 people. The Grade II listed mill buildings have been empty for a number of years, and areas of the site have been repeatedly damaged by fire.
News Source: Telegraph and Argus
A spokesperson for the fire service said it was believed to be "deliberate". The spokesperson added: "It was fairly substantial. It's a derelict mill anyway but there was about 25 per cent of the ground and first floor involved. Police will be investigating."
At the height of its operation, six storey Barkerend Mills, just outside of Bradford city centre, employed over 400 people. The Grade II listed mill buildings have been empty for a number of years, and areas of the site have been repeatedly damaged by fire.
News Source: Telegraph and Argus
Grade II listed Barkerend Mills
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Barkerend Mills
Listing Date: 9 August 1983 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1314311 English Heritage Legacy ID: 336111 Location: Bradford, BD3 County: Bradford Electoral Ward/Division: Bowling and Barkerend Built-Up Area: Bradford Traditional County: Yorkshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): West Yorkshire Church of England Parish: Bradford St Clement Church of England Diocese: Leeds |
Coordinates
Latitude: 53.7961 / 53°47'45"N Longitude: -1.7371 / 1°44'13"W OS Eastings: 417416 OS Northings: 433336 OS Grid: SE174333 Mapcode National: GBR JNJ.JS Mapcode Global: WHC99.9V27 |
22 October 2020 (20:14) - Massive blaze rips through abandoned theatre in Scotland
A massive fire broke out inside a derelict theatre in Greenock on Thursday evening. Firefighters and police officers responded to the blaze in Inverclyde, western Scotland. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 8pm. The blaze went on to engulf the former Arts Guild Theatre. Four fire engines were dispatched to tackle the blaze. The area has been cordoned off by police. It is not known if there have been any casualties. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “At around 8.14pm, we were called to reports of a building fire in Campbell Street, Greenock. Operations control mobilised four appliances to the incident. Firefighters remain in attendance.”
The Arts Guild in Greenock was the main theatre venue for the Inverclyde area. The 454 seat main auditorium had a proscenium arch stage with flying facilities. There was also a small studio space, as well as several small meeting and rehearsal rooms, and the bar. The building was formerly the "West End Baths", a private swimming pool built in 1881 which closed in 1941. After 60 years of service this building was considered no longer fit for purpose and construction of a new facility, the Beacon Arts Centre, began in 2011. The Arts Guild closed as a theatre on 08 December 2012. It is believed to have been scheduled for demolition.
News Source: Express
The Arts Guild in Greenock was the main theatre venue for the Inverclyde area. The 454 seat main auditorium had a proscenium arch stage with flying facilities. There was also a small studio space, as well as several small meeting and rehearsal rooms, and the bar. The building was formerly the "West End Baths", a private swimming pool built in 1881 which closed in 1941. After 60 years of service this building was considered no longer fit for purpose and construction of a new facility, the Beacon Arts Centre, began in 2011. The Arts Guild closed as a theatre on 08 December 2012. It is believed to have been scheduled for demolition.
News Source: Express
The former West End Baths was converted to the Arts Guild Theatre in 1949
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Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, people of Greenock sought a war memorial to be "something worthy of the sacrifice of the fallen, and of practical value to those who have survived". The Greenock Telegraph publicised the need for ideas, and its managing director Ryrie J Erskine Orr spoke at the 1945 West Renfrewshire Drama Festival, proposing "a beautiful and living theatre that would be the headquarters of all the cultured arts."
The Greenock Arts Guild Ltd was founded as a non-profit charitable company to promote local participation in arts activities, and incorporated on 4 December 1946. They bought the "West End Baths", a disused private swimming pool built in 1881 which had closed in 1941, put together plans and material, and raised funds for its conversion. They also promoted theatre productions in other halls in the interim.
The Arts Guild Theatre opened in 1949 with two meeting rooms and a small 100-seat theatre on the first floor of the building, which was named the Wallace Bennett Theatre in memory of a Royal Air Force serviceman from Greenock, and occupied the former billiards room. This was the first new theatre in mainland Britain for more than twenty years, and was greeted with widespread expressions of support, including messages from Benjamin Britten, John Gielgud, Malcolm Sargent, Sybil Thorndyke and Vaughan Williams.
Public performances in this theatre enabled the Arts Guild to gather a local reputation, which helped it to raise funds to cover the cost of building the Main Auditorium. The building had cost £1,000, and construction of the bottom floor theatre (now named the Main Auditorium) was estimated in 1947 to cost within the region of £18,000.The Scottish Arts Council at the time where impressed with the enthusiasm of the group and proposed to lend £9,000 to aid with its construction.
The Main Auditorium which opened in 1955 was converted from the swimming pool itself, with the slope of the pool floor forming raked stalls giving good sightlines to the stage built at the pool's deep end. A live television broadcast from this theatre in 1956 made The Greenock Players (which had formed in 1943) the first amateur dramatic company in Scotland to be televised. The Arts Guild Theatre complex developed as an arts centre and community theatre, with performances from both amateur and professional theatre companies. A scenery store and two additional meeting rooms were added in the 1960s, and in the 1980s the Wallace Bennett Theatre was adapted to become a flexible studio space.
The Main Auditorium provided 454 raked seats in total on two levels (120 circle, 334 stalls, including 5 wheelchair spaces). The Wallace Bennett Theatre allowed 80 seated places. The Arts Guild Theatre also had four dressing rooms, and four rehearsal rooms. It became a receiving house for touring shows, including well known names such as Scottish Opera and Dorothy Paul, as well as producing house with half the performances amateur. It also put on classes and workshops in music, art and drama.
In 2004 it was proposed that the Guild should seek funding to redevelop the Campbell Street premises. The estimated cost was £5.5million and in 2006, the Scottish Arts Council agreed to award £2.6 million towards the refurbishment, with the remainder to be raised by the Guild. Subsequently, however, Inverclyde Council approached the Guild to suggest that they might wish to relocate to a more central site on the waterfront and that that could lever additional support from Riverside Inverclyde. After several months of discussion and a feasibility study, the Guild opted to build a brand new arts centre - The Beacon - on former ship repair graving yard and dockland beside Customhouse Quay.
The Arts Guild Theatre closed with a last show on Saturday 8 December 2012, a performance of the pantomime Cinderella by the Greenock Players amateur dramatic company. The building was subsequently used by the Thistle Theatre Group, but it continued to deteriorate and in December 2017 its owners Peel Land and Property announced demolition of the old premises early in 2018.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, people of Greenock sought a war memorial to be "something worthy of the sacrifice of the fallen, and of practical value to those who have survived". The Greenock Telegraph publicised the need for ideas, and its managing director Ryrie J Erskine Orr spoke at the 1945 West Renfrewshire Drama Festival, proposing "a beautiful and living theatre that would be the headquarters of all the cultured arts."
The Greenock Arts Guild Ltd was founded as a non-profit charitable company to promote local participation in arts activities, and incorporated on 4 December 1946. They bought the "West End Baths", a disused private swimming pool built in 1881 which had closed in 1941, put together plans and material, and raised funds for its conversion. They also promoted theatre productions in other halls in the interim.
The Arts Guild Theatre opened in 1949 with two meeting rooms and a small 100-seat theatre on the first floor of the building, which was named the Wallace Bennett Theatre in memory of a Royal Air Force serviceman from Greenock, and occupied the former billiards room. This was the first new theatre in mainland Britain for more than twenty years, and was greeted with widespread expressions of support, including messages from Benjamin Britten, John Gielgud, Malcolm Sargent, Sybil Thorndyke and Vaughan Williams.
Public performances in this theatre enabled the Arts Guild to gather a local reputation, which helped it to raise funds to cover the cost of building the Main Auditorium. The building had cost £1,000, and construction of the bottom floor theatre (now named the Main Auditorium) was estimated in 1947 to cost within the region of £18,000.The Scottish Arts Council at the time where impressed with the enthusiasm of the group and proposed to lend £9,000 to aid with its construction.
The Main Auditorium which opened in 1955 was converted from the swimming pool itself, with the slope of the pool floor forming raked stalls giving good sightlines to the stage built at the pool's deep end. A live television broadcast from this theatre in 1956 made The Greenock Players (which had formed in 1943) the first amateur dramatic company in Scotland to be televised. The Arts Guild Theatre complex developed as an arts centre and community theatre, with performances from both amateur and professional theatre companies. A scenery store and two additional meeting rooms were added in the 1960s, and in the 1980s the Wallace Bennett Theatre was adapted to become a flexible studio space.
The Main Auditorium provided 454 raked seats in total on two levels (120 circle, 334 stalls, including 5 wheelchair spaces). The Wallace Bennett Theatre allowed 80 seated places. The Arts Guild Theatre also had four dressing rooms, and four rehearsal rooms. It became a receiving house for touring shows, including well known names such as Scottish Opera and Dorothy Paul, as well as producing house with half the performances amateur. It also put on classes and workshops in music, art and drama.
In 2004 it was proposed that the Guild should seek funding to redevelop the Campbell Street premises. The estimated cost was £5.5million and in 2006, the Scottish Arts Council agreed to award £2.6 million towards the refurbishment, with the remainder to be raised by the Guild. Subsequently, however, Inverclyde Council approached the Guild to suggest that they might wish to relocate to a more central site on the waterfront and that that could lever additional support from Riverside Inverclyde. After several months of discussion and a feasibility study, the Guild opted to build a brand new arts centre - The Beacon - on former ship repair graving yard and dockland beside Customhouse Quay.
The Arts Guild Theatre closed with a last show on Saturday 8 December 2012, a performance of the pantomime Cinderella by the Greenock Players amateur dramatic company. The building was subsequently used by the Thistle Theatre Group, but it continued to deteriorate and in December 2017 its owners Peel Land and Property announced demolition of the old premises early in 2018.
22 October 2020 (18:43) - 65 firefighters deal with 'significant' Dorset house fire
A person was taken to hospital last night as firefighters from across Dorset dealt with a "significant" fire in a thatched cottage. Approximately 65 firefighters were fighting a blaze at a thatched cottage in Poxwell, with photos from the scene showing the house well alight. One person was taken to hospital, they were suffering from smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were initially called at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which had spread to the thatched roof. A spokesman for Portland Fire Station said: "At its peak over 20 appliances were in attendance including multiple specials such as an aerial ladder appliance, water carriers, a command support unit, and an incident support unit." All of the occupants were accounted for and possessions from the affected homes have been salvaged. The A353 between Warmwell Cross Roundabout and Osmington Mills was closed as emergency services attend the scene. It has since been reopened. Dorset Police has told people to "please avoid the area."
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said earlier on Thursday evening: “A 999 call was received at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which was spreading to the thatched roof. As at 8.15pm, there were 13 fire crews and approximately 65 firefighters on scene – from Weymouth (two), Wareham, Bere Regis, Portland (two), Dorchester, Hamworthy, Poole (two), Beaminster, Bridport and Westbourne – together with an aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, a water carrier from Poole, and support units from Hamworthy and Poole. Crews are currently tackling the fire to try and contain it, while also salvaging possessions from the affected homes. All occupants are accounted for. One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The A353 between Warmwell Roundabout and Osmington Mills will be closed for some considerable time, and drivers are asked to avoid the area."
The pair of semi detached cottages were built in 1843 and are Grade II listed. It lies within Poxwell Conservation Area.
News Source: Dorset Echo
Firefighters were initially called at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which had spread to the thatched roof. A spokesman for Portland Fire Station said: "At its peak over 20 appliances were in attendance including multiple specials such as an aerial ladder appliance, water carriers, a command support unit, and an incident support unit." All of the occupants were accounted for and possessions from the affected homes have been salvaged. The A353 between Warmwell Cross Roundabout and Osmington Mills was closed as emergency services attend the scene. It has since been reopened. Dorset Police has told people to "please avoid the area."
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said earlier on Thursday evening: “A 999 call was received at 6.43pm for reports of a kitchen fire in one of a pair of semi-detached cottages, which was spreading to the thatched roof. As at 8.15pm, there were 13 fire crews and approximately 65 firefighters on scene – from Weymouth (two), Wareham, Bere Regis, Portland (two), Dorchester, Hamworthy, Poole (two), Beaminster, Bridport and Westbourne – together with an aerial ladder platform from Westbourne, a water carrier from Poole, and support units from Hamworthy and Poole. Crews are currently tackling the fire to try and contain it, while also salvaging possessions from the affected homes. All occupants are accounted for. One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The A353 between Warmwell Roundabout and Osmington Mills will be closed for some considerable time, and drivers are asked to avoid the area."
The pair of semi detached cottages were built in 1843 and are Grade II listed. It lies within Poxwell Conservation Area.
News Source: Dorset Echo
The Poxwell fire
British Red Cross Dorset Emergency response shared this picture from the scene of the fire last night
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 1 and 2
Listing Date: 26 January 1956 Last Amended: 27 October 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1119238 English Heritage Legacy ID: 105942 Location: Poxwell, Dorset, DT2 County: Dorset District: West Dorset Civil Parish: Poxwell Traditional County: Dorset Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Dorset Church of England Parish: Osmington with Poxwell St Osmond Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.6584 / 50°39'30"N Longitude: -2.3652 / 2°21'54"W OS Eastings: 374278 OS Northings: 84369 OS Grid: SY742843 Mapcode National: GBR 106.NTJ Mapcode Global: FRA 57YB.DCN Plus Code: 9C2VMJ5M+9W |
(Credit: Google)
19 October 2020 (13:00*) - Fire breaks out at historic Derby city centre landmark
A fire broke out today at a historic Derby landmark which brought disruption to a key route through the city centre. The blaze broke out near N H Motors at the Friar Gate Arches by the Grade II listed Friar Gate Bridge. The fire had taken hold by around 1pm today, October 19, by which time Derbyshire police were at the scene, warning bystanders to stay back.
The incident was caught on film by University of Derby student Daniel Ross. Mr Ross said: "There weren’t many emergency workers there at the time, but there was a police officer who requested that all the observers to step back, away from the smoke. Police cars came and then fire trucks. I spoke to some people who were just passing by and they were concerned about what was going on, although as far as I can tell, nobody was in direct danger."
In video footage, smoke can be seen billowing out of the side of a building located just underneath Friar Gate Bridge. Mr Ross added: "One member of the public asked if someone was trapped inside, to which a police officer responded that it was just a fire. After approximately 20 minutes, the police had began stopping people from heading down the road and later began condoning off the road."
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service shared a tweet in which it was confirmed that a fire broke out at an industrial unit on Friar Gate. The force said that a cordon which had been in place during the afternoon was lifted at around 3.30pm. A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "We received a call at just after 1.10pm today (Monday 19 October) at an industrial building on Friar Gate, Derby. Police and fire crews remain at the scene. It is not yet known if it is suspicious."
The Friar Gate Bridge was built by Andrew Handyside and Co, Ironfounders of Derby in 1878.
News Source: Derby Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
The incident was caught on film by University of Derby student Daniel Ross. Mr Ross said: "There weren’t many emergency workers there at the time, but there was a police officer who requested that all the observers to step back, away from the smoke. Police cars came and then fire trucks. I spoke to some people who were just passing by and they were concerned about what was going on, although as far as I can tell, nobody was in direct danger."
In video footage, smoke can be seen billowing out of the side of a building located just underneath Friar Gate Bridge. Mr Ross added: "One member of the public asked if someone was trapped inside, to which a police officer responded that it was just a fire. After approximately 20 minutes, the police had began stopping people from heading down the road and later began condoning off the road."
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service shared a tweet in which it was confirmed that a fire broke out at an industrial unit on Friar Gate. The force said that a cordon which had been in place during the afternoon was lifted at around 3.30pm. A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "We received a call at just after 1.10pm today (Monday 19 October) at an industrial building on Friar Gate, Derby. Police and fire crews remain at the scene. It is not yet known if it is suspicious."
The Friar Gate Bridge was built by Andrew Handyside and Co, Ironfounders of Derby in 1878.
News Source: Derby Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
A fire broke out at Friar Gate Arches at around 1pm on October 19 (Image: Daniel Ross)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Friar Gate Railway Bridge
Listing Date: 28 March 1974 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1216461 English Heritage Legacy ID: 401869 Location: Derby, DE1 County: City of Derby Electoral Ward/Division: Darley Built-Up Area: Derby Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Derby St John the Evangelist Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.924 / 52°55'26"N Longitude: -1.4855 / 1°29'7"W OS Eastings: 434689 OS Northings: 336412 OS Grid: SK346364 Mapcode National: GBR PHF.H5 Mapcode Global: WHDGT.4RXR Plus Code: 9C4WWGF7+JR |
The Friar Gate Bridge (Credit: Google)
17 October 2020 (11:05*) - Firefighters find cannabis plants inside burning St Pauls building
Fire crews stumbled across a stash of suspected cannabis plants as they tackled a blaze at a block of flats. One man was rescued from the roof of the burning building in St Pauls on Saturday (October 17), after climbing out from a top-floor window to escape the smoke. A woman and two children were also evacuated from the building in Bishop Street, shortly after 11am, and everyone managed to get out safely. One neighbour said that, even after firefighters left, a police officer remained on guard outside the entrance and two police cars were parked in nearby Portland Square.
Avon and Somerset Police has now confirmed why they were involved in the incident, and said officers seized "a number of suspected cannabis plants" from inside. A spokesperson said: "We received a call from the fire service after firefighters found a number of suspected cannabis plants during an incident they were dealing with in St Pauls. Four people within the block of flats in Bishop Street had been evacuated by fire crews during the incident. Western Power was also called to the scene to make sure the building was safe before officers could enter the address and seize the plants."
Police remained on scene until Sunday afternoon, and enquiries are continuing. The force was unable to confirm how many plants were seized, or what their potential street value was. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information can report it online via the force's website, or call 101, quoting reference number 5220235663. The fire service has not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze.
The Grade II listed building dates back to the late 18th century and was formerly The Portland House public house. The pub closed around 2005 and the building was converted to residential flats.
News Source: Bristol Post / Bristol Live
Avon and Somerset Police has now confirmed why they were involved in the incident, and said officers seized "a number of suspected cannabis plants" from inside. A spokesperson said: "We received a call from the fire service after firefighters found a number of suspected cannabis plants during an incident they were dealing with in St Pauls. Four people within the block of flats in Bishop Street had been evacuated by fire crews during the incident. Western Power was also called to the scene to make sure the building was safe before officers could enter the address and seize the plants."
Police remained on scene until Sunday afternoon, and enquiries are continuing. The force was unable to confirm how many plants were seized, or what their potential street value was. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information can report it online via the force's website, or call 101, quoting reference number 5220235663. The fire service has not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze.
The Grade II listed building dates back to the late 18th century and was formerly The Portland House public house. The pub closed around 2005 and the building was converted to residential flats.
News Source: Bristol Post / Bristol Live
Firefighters on scene in Bishop Street on Saturday (Image: Matt Whiteley/ Black and Whiteley Photography)
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: Portland House Public House
Listing Date: 4 March 1977 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1202002 English Heritage Legacy ID: 378963 Location: Bristol, BS2 County: City of Bristol Electoral Ward/Division: Ashley Built-Up Area: Bristol Traditional County: Gloucestershire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Bristol Church of England Parish: Bristol St Paul's Church of England Diocese: Bristol |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.4618 / 51°27'42"N Longitude: -2.5846 / 2°35'4"W OS Eastings: 359485 OS Northings: 173805 OS Grid: ST594738 Mapcode National: GBR CBG.DV Mapcode Global: VH88N.5J08 Plus Code: 9C3VFC68+P5 |
16 October 2020 (19:34) - Bird's nest causes smoke to pour into Wilderhope Manor Youth Hostel
Smoke poured into a Shropshire youth hostel after debris from a bird's nest blocked a boiler flue. Crews were called to the Wilderhope Manor Youth Hostel, in Longville in the Dale, south Shropshire, last night to find that debris from a bird's nest had blocked the boiler flue. Firefighters from Church Stretton and Much Wenlock were called out after smoke filled a room at the hostel. They dealt with the problem within half an hour, using breathing apparatus to go into the smoke-logged room, then chimney rods and a hose as well as a thermal imaging camera to check that there was no fire.
Now Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to get chimneys and flues swept before the winter. Operations officers Jim Barker, from Much Wenlock station, said the flue had been blocked by bird's nest debris despite having a bird guard fitted. "Please ensure you have your chimney/flue swept and checked every year prior to using your boiler or fire," he said.
Wilderhope Manor dates from 1585. The house was built for Francis Smallman and is now in the care of the National Trust. It is located at Longville in the Dale on Wenlock Edge 7 miles (11 km) south west of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, England. In 1936 the property was purchased by the W. A. Cadbury Trust who donated it to the National Trust on condition that it was used as youth hostel. The manor is a Grade I listed building and since 1937 has been used by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
News Source: Shropshire Star
Now Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to get chimneys and flues swept before the winter. Operations officers Jim Barker, from Much Wenlock station, said the flue had been blocked by bird's nest debris despite having a bird guard fitted. "Please ensure you have your chimney/flue swept and checked every year prior to using your boiler or fire," he said.
Wilderhope Manor dates from 1585. The house was built for Francis Smallman and is now in the care of the National Trust. It is located at Longville in the Dale on Wenlock Edge 7 miles (11 km) south west of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, England. In 1936 the property was purchased by the W. A. Cadbury Trust who donated it to the National Trust on condition that it was used as youth hostel. The manor is a Grade I listed building and since 1937 has been used by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
News Source: Shropshire Star
Firefighters at the youth hostel. Photo: Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service.
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Listing Details
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Entry Name: Wilderhope Manor
Listing Date: 12 November 1954 Last Amended: 29 February 2000 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1383384 English Heritage Legacy ID: 483802 Location: Rushbury, Shropshire, TF13 County: Shropshire Civil Parish: Rushbury Traditional County: Shropshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Shropshire Church of England Parish: Rushbury Church of England Diocese: Hereford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.5319 / 52°31'54"N Longitude: -2.6718 / 2°40'18"W OS Eastings: 354527 OS Northings: 292879 OS Grid: SO545928 Mapcode National: GBR BM.FQXK Mapcode Global: VH83C.MMXF Plus Code: 9C4VG8JH+Q7 |
16 October 2020 (01:00*) - Derbyshire church windows damaged in overnight fire
A fire has damaged the exterior wall and windows of a Derbyshire church. The blaze took place outside St Paul's Church, in Quarndon, on Thursday night when the bins were moved close to the Church and set alight. An attempt was also been made to access the building via climbing up to a window but they were unable to enter.
Becky Mathew, the priest in charge of the church, is concerned about the fire, but relieved it did not spread to the inside of the building. She said: "The fire damaged the exterior wall and blackened one of our most beautiful windows. We are hoping that the damage isn't too extensive and we are just seeking some professional advice about cleaning the windows in particular. We are incredibly fortunate the fire didn’t spread and no one was injured. We would urge anyone who have may have seen something to please get in touch with Derbyshire police. As a church family we are concerned about the mental health and welfare of those involved."
St Paul's Church was built between 1872-4 and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Derby Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
Becky Mathew, the priest in charge of the church, is concerned about the fire, but relieved it did not spread to the inside of the building. She said: "The fire damaged the exterior wall and blackened one of our most beautiful windows. We are hoping that the damage isn't too extensive and we are just seeking some professional advice about cleaning the windows in particular. We are incredibly fortunate the fire didn’t spread and no one was injured. We would urge anyone who have may have seen something to please get in touch with Derbyshire police. As a church family we are concerned about the mental health and welfare of those involved."
St Paul's Church was built between 1872-4 and is Grade II listed.
News Source: Derby Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
The damage the fire has done to the outside of St Paul's Church, in Quarndon (Image: St Paul's Church)
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: Church of St Paul
Listing Date: 24 January 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1109102 English Heritage Legacy ID: 78932 Location: Quarndon, Amber Valley, Derbyshire, DE22 County: Derbyshire District: Amber Valley Civil Parish: Quarndon Built-Up Area: Quarndon Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Quarndon St Paul Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9655 / 52°57'55"N Longitude: -1.5028 / 1°30'9"W OS Eastings: 433494 OS Northings: 341022 OS Grid: SK334410 Mapcode National: GBR 6DF.4VR Mapcode Global: WHCFG.WQLF Plus Code: 9C4WXF8W+6V |
Church of St Paul
15 October 2020 (13:00*) - Crews tackle fire at derelict building in Droylsden
Firefighters battled a blaze at a derelict building in Tameside. The fire broke out at the former Victoria Mill building on Buckley Street, just off Manchester Road opposite the Tesco store in Droylsden at around 1pm on Thursday. Pictures from the scene showed smoke coming from the roof of the building. Three fire engines attended and crews donned breathing apparatus used jets to bring it under control. It took firefighters around an hour to extinguish the blaze.
Victoria Mill was built in 1845 by Edmund Buckley for Henry Lees & Brothers of
Manchester who specialised in the production of heavy cotton cloth. The mill originally
consisted of three ranges with a private canal arm to the south, but was extended
throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to include additional buildings abutting the main
mill structure, a chimney stack and associated buildings to the south and a row of workers’
housing to the north. Although cotton production ceased in 1932, the mill was reopened
after the war and repurposed for the manufacture of other materials before being split in
the later 20th century to accommodate a number of smaller businesses.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Victoria Mill was built in 1845 by Edmund Buckley for Henry Lees & Brothers of
Manchester who specialised in the production of heavy cotton cloth. The mill originally
consisted of three ranges with a private canal arm to the south, but was extended
throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to include additional buildings abutting the main
mill structure, a chimney stack and associated buildings to the south and a row of workers’
housing to the north. Although cotton production ceased in 1932, the mill was reopened
after the war and repurposed for the manufacture of other materials before being split in
the later 20th century to accommodate a number of smaller businesses.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Fire crews at the scene on Thursday afternoon (Image: Mark Taylor)
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
In July 1845, Edmund Buckley began to construct Victoria Mill for Henry Lees &
Brothers of Manchester, but retained ownership of the building. This integrated spinning
and weaving mill was well placed to take advantage of the newly established transport
links nearby, with the Manchester Road turnpike to the north and the canal to the south,
complete with a private arm to serve the mill directly. The mill went into production in
March 1847. In 1850, Buckley built another mill, a weaving shed known as Angola Mill,
adjacent to the canal basin and linked to the Manchester Road turnpike by the newly
opened Buckley Street (Haynes 2004, 7). Angola Mill was put in full production in
January 1851 by Messrs Kay, Richardson & Wroe (Higson 1859, 99).
Henry Lees & Brothers specialised in producing heavy domestic cloth, such as table
cloths, which they had been producing at their mill at Cromford Court, Manchester, and
continued to produce such cloths when they expanded to Victoria Mill. The company was
owned by Henry Lees and his brothers James and Edward, but Edward left during the
1860s, to be replaced by John Kenworthy, who also owned a firm of carriers. Henry Lees
retired in 1870, and both James Lees and John Kenworthy left the company during the
1870s, leaving the company in the control of Frederick Preston Lees, James’ son.
Following a severe depression in the cotton industry, the company went into liquidation in
1879 with liabilities of £40,000, and the legal documents recount that at this time Victoria
Mill housed 13,000 throstle spindles and 10,000 mule weft spindles, and was producing
some 40,000lbs of yarns each week. The yarns were weaved into heavy domestic cloths on
330 looms, many of which were housed in a weaving shed which had been added to the
mill in 1867 (Haynes 2004, 48-9).
In 1879 the Mill was taken over by the Victoria Spinning Company, which was owned by
John Holt and his son Frank and concentrated on cotton spinning, removing the
powerlooms and introducing ring-spinning frames. The mill housed 44,500 spindles by
1891 (Worrall 1891), although the Company ceased trading in that year, and the mill was
taken over briefly by the Atlas Spinning Co, who sold the company to Joseph Byrom &
Sons in 1893 (Haynes, 2004). The Byroms continued to produce twist and weft yarns, and
converted the mill from steam to electrical driving in 1910, using 20 motors with a
combined power totalling 1.357 hp.
Victoria Mill finally closed in 1932 during the inter-war depression and was not used as a
cotton mill again, but repurposed to accommodate a number of other businesses. The mill
became multi-occupation with various smaller companies occupying the surviving three
floors in the mid- to late 20th century.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
In July 1845, Edmund Buckley began to construct Victoria Mill for Henry Lees &
Brothers of Manchester, but retained ownership of the building. This integrated spinning
and weaving mill was well placed to take advantage of the newly established transport
links nearby, with the Manchester Road turnpike to the north and the canal to the south,
complete with a private arm to serve the mill directly. The mill went into production in
March 1847. In 1850, Buckley built another mill, a weaving shed known as Angola Mill,
adjacent to the canal basin and linked to the Manchester Road turnpike by the newly
opened Buckley Street (Haynes 2004, 7). Angola Mill was put in full production in
January 1851 by Messrs Kay, Richardson & Wroe (Higson 1859, 99).
Henry Lees & Brothers specialised in producing heavy domestic cloth, such as table
cloths, which they had been producing at their mill at Cromford Court, Manchester, and
continued to produce such cloths when they expanded to Victoria Mill. The company was
owned by Henry Lees and his brothers James and Edward, but Edward left during the
1860s, to be replaced by John Kenworthy, who also owned a firm of carriers. Henry Lees
retired in 1870, and both James Lees and John Kenworthy left the company during the
1870s, leaving the company in the control of Frederick Preston Lees, James’ son.
Following a severe depression in the cotton industry, the company went into liquidation in
1879 with liabilities of £40,000, and the legal documents recount that at this time Victoria
Mill housed 13,000 throstle spindles and 10,000 mule weft spindles, and was producing
some 40,000lbs of yarns each week. The yarns were weaved into heavy domestic cloths on
330 looms, many of which were housed in a weaving shed which had been added to the
mill in 1867 (Haynes 2004, 48-9).
In 1879 the Mill was taken over by the Victoria Spinning Company, which was owned by
John Holt and his son Frank and concentrated on cotton spinning, removing the
powerlooms and introducing ring-spinning frames. The mill housed 44,500 spindles by
1891 (Worrall 1891), although the Company ceased trading in that year, and the mill was
taken over briefly by the Atlas Spinning Co, who sold the company to Joseph Byrom &
Sons in 1893 (Haynes, 2004). The Byroms continued to produce twist and weft yarns, and
converted the mill from steam to electrical driving in 1910, using 20 motors with a
combined power totalling 1.357 hp.
Victoria Mill finally closed in 1932 during the inter-war depression and was not used as a
cotton mill again, but repurposed to accommodate a number of other businesses. The mill
became multi-occupation with various smaller companies occupying the surviving three
floors in the mid- to late 20th century.
15 October 2020 (00:30) - Fire at Derby church sparks police investigation
A fire blazed through the night destroying a building at a church in Derby. Police and fire crews rushed to St Matthew’s Church, in Darley Abbey, at half past midnight yesterday morning. They found the shed to be ablaze and hastened to put it out. However, the church still suffered damage to the outside of the building. Reverend Peter Barham was concerned about the damage, but thankful as he says it could have been “far worse”. And Derbyshire police have said there is no evidence that points to this fire being linked to the two recent arson attacks on Derby schools .
Mr Barham said: “Waking up to the news of a fire at St Matthew's was not what I wanted. The shed has been destroyed, and there is a bit of damage to the stone and paintwork of the church, but it could have been far worse. Thanks to our neighbours who spotted it, and the fire crews who attended at midnight.” Mr Barham also had words of gratitude towards the emergency services who helped him. He said: “At one point later this morning we had two detectives, a police CSI photographer, two police officers, a fire investigator, a fire engine and crew, and a fire sniffer dog and handler. All of them professional, skilled, and caring. They nearly all said "are you OK Vicar? The dog didn't say that, but he wagged his tail at me. I wonder how much it costs when two fire engines, fully crewed, and a police presence arrive in the middle of the night. I wonder how much their on-going investigation will cost. It's why we pay tax. It's part of being society. Thank you.”
A Derbyshire police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire at St Matthew’s Church in Church Lane, Darley Abbey, at 12.30am on Thursday, 15 October. A shed was destroyed by the fire and minor damage was caused to the outside of the church and enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the fire. At this time there is no evidence to suggest that the fire is linked to the two school fires which occurred in Derby two weeks ago.”
St Matthew’s Church, in Darley Abbey was designed and built by Henry Moses Wood in the Gothic style. The church was consecrated on 24 June 1819. It is Grade II listed.
News Source: Derbyshire Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
Mr Barham said: “Waking up to the news of a fire at St Matthew's was not what I wanted. The shed has been destroyed, and there is a bit of damage to the stone and paintwork of the church, but it could have been far worse. Thanks to our neighbours who spotted it, and the fire crews who attended at midnight.” Mr Barham also had words of gratitude towards the emergency services who helped him. He said: “At one point later this morning we had two detectives, a police CSI photographer, two police officers, a fire investigator, a fire engine and crew, and a fire sniffer dog and handler. All of them professional, skilled, and caring. They nearly all said "are you OK Vicar? The dog didn't say that, but he wagged his tail at me. I wonder how much it costs when two fire engines, fully crewed, and a police presence arrive in the middle of the night. I wonder how much their on-going investigation will cost. It's why we pay tax. It's part of being society. Thank you.”
A Derbyshire police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a fire at St Matthew’s Church in Church Lane, Darley Abbey, at 12.30am on Thursday, 15 October. A shed was destroyed by the fire and minor damage was caused to the outside of the church and enquiries are ongoing into the cause of the fire. At this time there is no evidence to suggest that the fire is linked to the two school fires which occurred in Derby two weeks ago.”
St Matthew’s Church, in Darley Abbey was designed and built by Henry Moses Wood in the Gothic style. The church was consecrated on 24 June 1819. It is Grade II listed.
News Source: Derbyshire Telegraph / Derbyshire Live
Fire crews worked hard into the night to put out the fire (Image: St Matthew's Church)
|
|
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: Church of St Matthew
Listing Date: 13 February 1967 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1215814 English Heritage Legacy ID: 401106 Location: Derby, DE22 County: City of Derby Electoral Ward/Division: Darley Built-Up Area: Derby Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Darley Abbey St Matthew Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9447 / 52°56'41"N Longitude: -1.4794 / 1°28'45"W OS Eastings: 435082 OS Northings: 338721 OS Grid: SK350387 Mapcode National: GBR PJ5.TR Mapcode Global: WHDGT.77ST Plus Code: 9C4WWGVC+V7 |
14 October 2020 (22:57) - Person treated by paramedics after fire breaks out in Dorchester flat
A person was treated by paramedics after a fire broke out in a flat's kitchen. Firefighters from Dorchester and Weymouth responded to reports of a blaze at a property on High East Street in Dorchester at 10.57pm on Wednesday (October 14). Fire engines blocked the road as crews entered the property to extinguish the blaze. An ambulance crew attended the scene and treated a resident for light smoke inhalation.
A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to High East Street in Dorchester at 10.57pm yesterday evening. We had three crews in attendance - two from Dorchester Fire Station and one from Weymouth Fire Station. The incident was within a block of flats and the fire was in a first-floor flat's kitchen. Two breathing apparatus wearers used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. Nobody was injured but one person had light smoke inhalation and was checked over by an ambulance crew. The fire was started accidentally." She added firefighters left the scene at 11.35pm.
The property is an 18th century Grade II listed building and lies within the Dorchester Conservation Area. There is a plaque on the wall of the building commemorating that the poet and author John Cowper Powys lived here in 1936.
News Source: Dorset Echo
A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to High East Street in Dorchester at 10.57pm yesterday evening. We had three crews in attendance - two from Dorchester Fire Station and one from Weymouth Fire Station. The incident was within a block of flats and the fire was in a first-floor flat's kitchen. Two breathing apparatus wearers used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. Nobody was injured but one person had light smoke inhalation and was checked over by an ambulance crew. The fire was started accidentally." She added firefighters left the scene at 11.35pm.
The property is an 18th century Grade II listed building and lies within the Dorchester Conservation Area. There is a plaque on the wall of the building commemorating that the poet and author John Cowper Powys lived here in 1936.
News Source: Dorset Echo
Firefighters outside the Dorchester property. Picture: Sarah Stockham/Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: 37 and 38, High East Street
Listing Date: 8 May 1975 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1218488 English Heritage Legacy ID: 104332 Location: Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 County: Dorset District: West Dorset Civil Parish: Dorchester Built-Up Area: Dorchester Traditional County: Dorset Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Dorset Church of England Parish: Dorchester and West Stafford Church of England Diocese: Salisbury |
Coordinates
Latitude: 50.7157 / 50°42'56"N Longitude: -2.4349 / 2°26'5"W OS Eastings: 369390 OS Northings: 90765 OS Grid: SY693907 Mapcode National: GBR PY.RGJT Mapcode Global: FRA 57S6.36N Plus Code: 9C2VPH88+72 |
13 October 2020 (21:05*) - Firefighters tackle blaze at derelict pub in Bedworth
Firefighters have tonight been tackling a blaze at a derelict pub in Bedworth. Crews from both Nuneaton and Bedworth were called to King Street just after 9pm. The blaze is believed to have taken hold at the British Queen pub, which has stood empty for almost a decade.
The road was closed by Warwickshire Police at the junction with Rye Piece Ringway and then from other side just before bridge for railway station. A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire appliances from Nuneaton and Bedworth are in attendance at a derelict pub fire in King Street, Bedworth. Firefighters using 2 breathing apparatus, hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera, covering jet and small gear." It isn't yet known how the fire started or how much of the building is impacted. Crews were expected to be on scene until around 11pm.
The British Queen pub dates back to at least 1875, when it was known as the Queens Head. In 2018 there were plans submitted to convert the old pub into flats.
News Source: Coventry Telegraph / Coventry Live
The road was closed by Warwickshire Police at the junction with Rye Piece Ringway and then from other side just before bridge for railway station. A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire appliances from Nuneaton and Bedworth are in attendance at a derelict pub fire in King Street, Bedworth. Firefighters using 2 breathing apparatus, hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera, covering jet and small gear." It isn't yet known how the fire started or how much of the building is impacted. Crews were expected to be on scene until around 11pm.
The British Queen pub dates back to at least 1875, when it was known as the Queens Head. In 2018 there were plans submitted to convert the old pub into flats.
News Source: Coventry Telegraph / Coventry Live
Blaze at derelict pub on King Street, Bedworth
Near Miss
12 October 2020 (23:55) - Investigation into Bridgnorth town centre fires launched
12 October 2020 (23:55) - Investigation into Bridgnorth town centre fires launched
An investigation is underway following two fires in Bridgnorth town centre overnight. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire involving a small amount of refuse alight outside the Cancer Research UK shop on Waterloo Terrace at just before midnight. One fire appliance was mobilised from Bridgnorth. Crews used a Hosereel jet to tackle the fire. The shop is Grade II listed and was built in the early 19th Century. It lies within the Bridgnorth Conservation Area.
A short time later at 12.43am firefighters were called to Salop Street to extinguish a fire involving a small quantity of rubbish and fence. Police say a male has been interviewed this afternoon in relation to the two fires and their enquiries are still ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101.
News Source: Shropshire Live
A short time later at 12.43am firefighters were called to Salop Street to extinguish a fire involving a small quantity of rubbish and fence. Police say a male has been interviewed this afternoon in relation to the two fires and their enquiries are still ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101.
News Source: Shropshire Live
A small amount of refuse was set alight outside the Cancer Research UK shop
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: 7 and 8, Waterloo Terrace
Listing Date: 9 March 1970 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1053931 English Heritage Legacy ID: 254565 Location: Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 County: Shropshire Civil Parish: Bridgnorth Built-Up Area: Bridgnorth Traditional County: Shropshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Shropshire Church of England Parish: Bridgnorth Church of England Diocese: Hereford |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.5347 / 52°32'4"N Longitude: -2.4192 / 2°25'9"W OS Eastings: 371660 OS Northings: 293061 OS Grid: SO716930 Mapcode National: GBR BZ.FF4H Mapcode Global: VH90Z.0KX8 Plus Code: 9C4VGHMJ+V8 |
12 October 2020 (19:11) - Three appliances sent to Bexhill flat fire
The crews were sent to the property in St Leonards Road, Bexhill, at 7.11pm on Monday (October 12). A spokesman for the fire service said the cause of the kitchen fire was found to be accidental. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel jet to tackle the fire and a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear smoke from the building, according to a fire service spokesman. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Victorian era building lies within the Bexhill Town Centre Conservation Area.
News Source: Hastings Observer
The Victorian era building lies within the Bexhill Town Centre Conservation Area.
News Source: Hastings Observer
Picture: Bobo Reynolds
11 October 2020 (18:53) - Firefighters tackling Stewartby Brickworks blaze
Firefighters from Bedford, Kempston and Ampthill are currently tackling a blaze at an abandoned building at Stewartby Brickworks. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking people to avoid the area and advising locals living nearby to keep doors and windows closed, due to the amount of smoke in the area. However, they do say the fire remains under control. Currently there are four pumps and one water carrier in attendance at the derelict building on Broad Mead Road. At around 9:45pm, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said the fire had been put out but they would remain on the scene to ‘damp down’.
The brickworks date back to 1898 and by 1936 Stewartby brickworks had become the largest brickworks in the world, and was employing 2,000 people and producing 500 million bricks per annum. The works closed in 2008 because it could not achieve modern emission standards. The site, including four tall mid 20th century chimneys were to be demolished immediately after closure, but a month before the works closed, The four chimneys and two Hoffman kilns were awarded Grade II listed status.
News Source: Bedford Independant
The brickworks date back to 1898 and by 1936 Stewartby brickworks had become the largest brickworks in the world, and was employing 2,000 people and producing 500 million bricks per annum. The works closed in 2008 because it could not achieve modern emission standards. The site, including four tall mid 20th century chimneys were to be demolished immediately after closure, but a month before the works closed, The four chimneys and two Hoffman kilns were awarded Grade II listed status.
News Source: Bedford Independant
A derelict building is currently ablaze at Stewartby Brickworks.
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: Two Kilns and Four Chimneys at the Stewartby Brickworks
Listing Date: 9 January 2008 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1392357 English Heritage Legacy ID: 503054 Location: Stewartby, Bedford, MK43 County: Bedford Civil Parish: Stewartby Built-Up Area: Stewartby Traditional County: Bedfordshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Bedfordshire Church of England Parish: Wootton Church of England Diocese: St.Albans |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.0733 / 52°4'23"N Longitude: -0.5168 / 0°31'0"W OS Eastings: 501749 OS Northings: 242692 OS Grid: TL017426 Mapcode National: GBR G2P.VJN Mapcode Global: VHFQM.043Z Plus Code: 9C4X3FFM+87 |
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Brick making in this area was started in Westoning by B.J.Harfield Forder from Buriton in Hampshire. As this operation was successful Forder decided to expand into the Oxford clay belt. He opened new brickworks at Elstow and, in 1898, at Wootton Pillinge, later to be known as Stewartby.
Fletton brick making in the Peterborough area was quite well advanced by this time and Forder looked to this area when he needed partners to expand his business. All three of his sites were highly mechanised and he required more capital. Arthur and George Keeble joined Forder along with Halley Stewart, then a prospective Liberal parliamentary candidate. Stewart had capital to invest as he had recently sold his family's business in Kent.
The Keeble brothers did not want to remain in the brick making business, only wanting short-term investments, and soon sold their small brickworks to Halley Stewart to become part of the Forders' works. In 1900 Forders became a limited company and Stewart became the chairman. By 1910 Forders was producing 48 million bricks a year.
After the First World War the various brick makers within the Oxford clay belt had been reduced to four main groups, with many of the smaller brick companies losing out to competition. These four were Forders, the London Brick Company, the Itter companies and the United and Northan Brick companies. Gradually over the years the companies joined together to try to stabilise the costs and pricing within the industry. By 1923 all of the companies except Itter's had merged. They became the London Brick Company and Forders Ltd. with Percy Malcom Stewart (Halley's son) as Chairman.
In 1927 the new company purchased a controlling interest in Itter's company and in 1936 the merged companies simply traded as the London Brick Company Ltd. These early C20 mergers and changes led to some expansion at Stewartby and it was during this period in the middle of the C20 that the surviving Hoffman kilns, CK1 and CK3, were built. An aerial photograph taken in 1929 shows that at that time the brickworks lay almost entirely to the west of the railway line that divides the site, with CK1 and CK3 yet to be built. Today the works lies almost entirely to the east of the line, that to the west having been demolished. In 1926 Stewartby produced 118 million bricks and work had started on the model 'garden village' to house employees.
Based on the strong moral and religious beliefs of the Stewart family the village of Wootton Pillinge was transformed into Stewartby Model village. As well as providing decent housing, the employees benefited from better pay and working conditions and the company benefited from having a greater degree of control over its workforce. The village became known as Stewartby in 1937 and was later given Parish status.
By 1936 Stewartby brickworks had become the largest brickworks in the world, and was employing 2,000 people and producing 500 million bricks per annum; the largest part of the vast Bedfordshire industry which together employed over 5,000 people at its peak. The development of the brickworks has been a major factor in forging the character of the local communities. After the Second World War, when labour was in short supply, many workers were encouraged to immigrate from other countries to work in the industry; initially from Commonwealth countries and Poland, and then Italy and parts of Asia.
Stewartby was still said to be the largest brickworks in the world in 1979. There were then two other working brickworks in Bedfordshire at Ridgmont and Kempston Hardwick. These have since ceased production, little of them now surviving, leaving Stewartby as the sole working Bedfordshire brickworks.
As noted above, the works to the west of the railway, the earliest part of the site, has been almost entirely cleared of buildings of any historic interest. On the east side of the line, two Hoffman Kilns have been demolished along with three of the seven chimneys that survived until recently.
The Hoffman Kiln was patented by a German engineer Friedrich Hoffman for brickmaking in 1858 and Humphrey Chamberlain took out an English patent in 1868. Over time the design ws improved and adapted. In the C20, the layout of the chambers was changed to form two rows, back to back in a regualar rectangle. A special design for the Fletton brick industry incorporated additonal flues for drying and warming. It is these C20 versions which survive at Stewartby.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Brick making in this area was started in Westoning by B.J.Harfield Forder from Buriton in Hampshire. As this operation was successful Forder decided to expand into the Oxford clay belt. He opened new brickworks at Elstow and, in 1898, at Wootton Pillinge, later to be known as Stewartby.
Fletton brick making in the Peterborough area was quite well advanced by this time and Forder looked to this area when he needed partners to expand his business. All three of his sites were highly mechanised and he required more capital. Arthur and George Keeble joined Forder along with Halley Stewart, then a prospective Liberal parliamentary candidate. Stewart had capital to invest as he had recently sold his family's business in Kent.
The Keeble brothers did not want to remain in the brick making business, only wanting short-term investments, and soon sold their small brickworks to Halley Stewart to become part of the Forders' works. In 1900 Forders became a limited company and Stewart became the chairman. By 1910 Forders was producing 48 million bricks a year.
After the First World War the various brick makers within the Oxford clay belt had been reduced to four main groups, with many of the smaller brick companies losing out to competition. These four were Forders, the London Brick Company, the Itter companies and the United and Northan Brick companies. Gradually over the years the companies joined together to try to stabilise the costs and pricing within the industry. By 1923 all of the companies except Itter's had merged. They became the London Brick Company and Forders Ltd. with Percy Malcom Stewart (Halley's son) as Chairman.
In 1927 the new company purchased a controlling interest in Itter's company and in 1936 the merged companies simply traded as the London Brick Company Ltd. These early C20 mergers and changes led to some expansion at Stewartby and it was during this period in the middle of the C20 that the surviving Hoffman kilns, CK1 and CK3, were built. An aerial photograph taken in 1929 shows that at that time the brickworks lay almost entirely to the west of the railway line that divides the site, with CK1 and CK3 yet to be built. Today the works lies almost entirely to the east of the line, that to the west having been demolished. In 1926 Stewartby produced 118 million bricks and work had started on the model 'garden village' to house employees.
Based on the strong moral and religious beliefs of the Stewart family the village of Wootton Pillinge was transformed into Stewartby Model village. As well as providing decent housing, the employees benefited from better pay and working conditions and the company benefited from having a greater degree of control over its workforce. The village became known as Stewartby in 1937 and was later given Parish status.
By 1936 Stewartby brickworks had become the largest brickworks in the world, and was employing 2,000 people and producing 500 million bricks per annum; the largest part of the vast Bedfordshire industry which together employed over 5,000 people at its peak. The development of the brickworks has been a major factor in forging the character of the local communities. After the Second World War, when labour was in short supply, many workers were encouraged to immigrate from other countries to work in the industry; initially from Commonwealth countries and Poland, and then Italy and parts of Asia.
Stewartby was still said to be the largest brickworks in the world in 1979. There were then two other working brickworks in Bedfordshire at Ridgmont and Kempston Hardwick. These have since ceased production, little of them now surviving, leaving Stewartby as the sole working Bedfordshire brickworks.
As noted above, the works to the west of the railway, the earliest part of the site, has been almost entirely cleared of buildings of any historic interest. On the east side of the line, two Hoffman Kilns have been demolished along with three of the seven chimneys that survived until recently.
The Hoffman Kiln was patented by a German engineer Friedrich Hoffman for brickmaking in 1858 and Humphrey Chamberlain took out an English patent in 1868. Over time the design ws improved and adapted. In the C20, the layout of the chambers was changed to form two rows, back to back in a regualar rectangle. A special design for the Fletton brick industry incorporated additonal flues for drying and warming. It is these C20 versions which survive at Stewartby.
10 October 2020 (23:24) - Crews spent several hours tackling a large fire at a commercial building in Tameside
Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a building in Tameside overnight. Six engines raced to the fire on the third floor of a commercial building on Turner Street, in Ashton-under-Lyne, just before 11.30pm on Saturday night (October 10). Firefighters spent almost five hours fighting the flames, damping down and making the area safe.
Fire investigators were still at the scene on Sunday afternoon (October 11). A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson said: “At 23:24 hours on the 10th October 2020 we were called to reports of a fire at a property in Ashton Under Lyne. Six fire engines from Stalybridge, Ashton Under Lyne, Hollins, Hyde, Mosley, Chadderton were quickly on scene of a fire involving the third floor of a commercial building on Turner Lane, Ashton Under Lyne. Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, two hose reels, Milwaukee saws, short extension ladders and a thermal imaging camera to bring the fire under control.
The building is known as James Howe Mill, which was built in the late 19th century. On early 20th century maps it is shown as a Cotton Waste Mill. It is now divided into a number of industrial units.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Fire investigators were still at the scene on Sunday afternoon (October 11). A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson said: “At 23:24 hours on the 10th October 2020 we were called to reports of a fire at a property in Ashton Under Lyne. Six fire engines from Stalybridge, Ashton Under Lyne, Hollins, Hyde, Mosley, Chadderton were quickly on scene of a fire involving the third floor of a commercial building on Turner Lane, Ashton Under Lyne. Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, two hose reels, Milwaukee saws, short extension ladders and a thermal imaging camera to bring the fire under control.
The building is known as James Howe Mill, which was built in the late 19th century. On early 20th century maps it is shown as a Cotton Waste Mill. It is now divided into a number of industrial units.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Crews spent almost five hours tackling the blaze at the building on Turner Street (Image: Manchester Evening News)
10 October 2020 (22:00*) - Police probe repeated arson attacks in historic Edinburgh graveyard
Repeated arson attacks at a historic graveyard in Edinburgh have been reported to the police by a fed up local. A concerned resident reported the fires to Police Scotland after the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were forced to extinguish one. He believes they have been set deliberately. He said, "That graveyard is historic and it's very concerning to me that someone would do this. I would have stopped them setting the second fire but I was by myself and there were two of them with a can of petrol. They could have thrown it over me.
New Calton Burial Ground is a historic graveyard, and is the final resting place of several family members of Robert Louis Stevenson. Others buried at the graveyard include the poet William Knox, and a number of authors, doctors and people who served in the armed forces. The whole burial ground including the watch tower and boundary walls are Category B listed. It lies within both The New Town Conservation Area and the New Town Gardens Conservation Area. It also lies within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Police Scotland said, "Enquiries ongoing following a report of a number of suspicious fires being set in a graveyard off Regent Road in Edinburgh on Saturday, 10 October 2020."
New Calton Burial Ground was built as an overspill and functional replacement to Old Calton Burial Ground and a place for re-interment of the bodies affected by the construction of Waterloo Place, which had cut through the Old Calton Burial Ground. This major engineering exercise took from 1817 to 1820 to complete.
News Source: Edinburgh Live
New Calton Burial Ground is a historic graveyard, and is the final resting place of several family members of Robert Louis Stevenson. Others buried at the graveyard include the poet William Knox, and a number of authors, doctors and people who served in the armed forces. The whole burial ground including the watch tower and boundary walls are Category B listed. It lies within both The New Town Conservation Area and the New Town Gardens Conservation Area. It also lies within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
Police Scotland said, "Enquiries ongoing following a report of a number of suspicious fires being set in a graveyard off Regent Road in Edinburgh on Saturday, 10 October 2020."
New Calton Burial Ground was built as an overspill and functional replacement to Old Calton Burial Ground and a place for re-interment of the bodies affected by the construction of Waterloo Place, which had cut through the Old Calton Burial Ground. This major engineering exercise took from 1817 to 1820 to complete.
News Source: Edinburgh Live
A crypt in the graveyard on fire (Image: Edinburgh Live/UGC)
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: Calton New Burial Ground, Calton Road, Edinburgh
Listing Name: Regent Road, New Calton Burial Ground, Including Watch Tower and Boundary Walls Listing Date: 19 April 1966 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 365298 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB27931 Building Class: Cultural Location: Edinburgh County: Edinburgh Town: Edinburgh Electoral Ward: City Centre Traditional County: Midlothian |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.9535 / 55°57'12"N Longitude: -3.1763 / 3°10'34"W OS Eastings: 326647 OS Northings: 674011 OS Grid: NT266740 Mapcode National: GBR 8SF.3B Mapcode Global: WH6SM.5MRB Plus Code: 9C7RXR3F+CF |
10 October 2020 (04:30) - Donations flood in following arson attack at Birkenhead theatre
Theatre trust chairman Julie Breckon has been overwhelmed by the response to an appeal fund set up after an arson attack at The Little Theatre in Birkenhead overnight last night. The fire destroyed most of the props department at The Little Theatre in Grange Road West, but it could have been far worse had it not been for a quick-thinking resident. A woman who lives near the theatre called the fire service after hearing an alarm and smelling smoke, and firefighters were able to restrict the fire to a props room and corridor.
After visiting the theatre to see the extent of the damage Julie set up an appeal fund on justgiving to ask for donations to cover any uninsured losses the trust may have because of the fire. She set a target of £500, which has been smashed as donations flood in, with the total standing at £1,952. The theatre is home to the Carlton Players, which has performed at the theatre since the 1950s, and Julie is chairman of the Carlton Little Theatre Trust.
She said: “A resident who lives nearby smelled smoke and heard an alarm at 4.30am, so went out to take a look and contacted the fire brigade,” said Julie. “Thankfully because she called them so early the damage is nowhere near as severe as it could have been. We have lost pretty much the contents of our props department, but our auditorium, other than the smell of smoke, is relatively unscathed. The fire brigade said if it had been half an hour later the whole place could have gone up. We also have the damage to the front window, which was broken by the person who had broken in, in order to get out. When I went down there today I didn’t know the extent of the damage, and it was upsetting to see We are a charitable trust, staffed pretty much entirely by volunteers. The things which were damaged we are not going to be able to replace easily because they are things old members have donated - it’s heart-breaking to see.
She added: “The theatre means so much to our members and the community. At the moment we don’t know the extent of the damage, and the appeal fund will cover any uninsured losses we have. The fire has gone into a corridor where we store a lot of our paintings, which are irreplaceable. She thanked the community for the ‘outpouring of support,’ which she said had been ‘phenomenal’. “I set up the justgiving page to give people an option to donate if they could, and couldn’t have expected that we would even reach the £500 target.”
The building, designed by Walter Scott began as the First United Presbyterian Church, built in 1847 and opened the following year. It is constructed of stone in the Gothic style, consisting of nave and could seat 650. Since then, the turret over the entrance has been removed at some stage a narthex/porch was also built to enclose the steps to the main entrance.
The last service was held on 14 July 1948 following which the building was sold to the Birkenhead Repertory Company for use as a theatre in the 1950s. The Little Theatre is the last surviving theatre in Birkenhead and home to The Carlton Players.
News Source: Wirral Globe
After visiting the theatre to see the extent of the damage Julie set up an appeal fund on justgiving to ask for donations to cover any uninsured losses the trust may have because of the fire. She set a target of £500, which has been smashed as donations flood in, with the total standing at £1,952. The theatre is home to the Carlton Players, which has performed at the theatre since the 1950s, and Julie is chairman of the Carlton Little Theatre Trust.
She said: “A resident who lives nearby smelled smoke and heard an alarm at 4.30am, so went out to take a look and contacted the fire brigade,” said Julie. “Thankfully because she called them so early the damage is nowhere near as severe as it could have been. We have lost pretty much the contents of our props department, but our auditorium, other than the smell of smoke, is relatively unscathed. The fire brigade said if it had been half an hour later the whole place could have gone up. We also have the damage to the front window, which was broken by the person who had broken in, in order to get out. When I went down there today I didn’t know the extent of the damage, and it was upsetting to see We are a charitable trust, staffed pretty much entirely by volunteers. The things which were damaged we are not going to be able to replace easily because they are things old members have donated - it’s heart-breaking to see.
She added: “The theatre means so much to our members and the community. At the moment we don’t know the extent of the damage, and the appeal fund will cover any uninsured losses we have. The fire has gone into a corridor where we store a lot of our paintings, which are irreplaceable. She thanked the community for the ‘outpouring of support,’ which she said had been ‘phenomenal’. “I set up the justgiving page to give people an option to donate if they could, and couldn’t have expected that we would even reach the £500 target.”
The building, designed by Walter Scott began as the First United Presbyterian Church, built in 1847 and opened the following year. It is constructed of stone in the Gothic style, consisting of nave and could seat 650. Since then, the turret over the entrance has been removed at some stage a narthex/porch was also built to enclose the steps to the main entrance.
The last service was held on 14 July 1948 following which the building was sold to the Birkenhead Repertory Company for use as a theatre in the 1950s. The Little Theatre is the last surviving theatre in Birkenhead and home to The Carlton Players.
News Source: Wirral Globe
9 October 2020 (23:55) - Historic shelter wrecked in seafront fire
One of Felixstowe’s historic seafront shelters has been wrecked in a midnight blaze. Fire ripped through the newly-refurbished shelter in the gardens alongside the promenade in Sea Road, almost opposite Manwick Road. One fire crew from Felixstowe was called at 11.55pm last night, Friday, October 9, and found the building well alight. Firefighters quickly got the situatuion under control and the fire was completely out and the crew stood down at 12.37am.
The scene today showed severe damage to the seaward-side of the open shelter. WIndows had smashed and blown and woodwork was left charred. Rubbish bins were mangled and melted. The Victorian and Edwardian shelters, named Manwick and Arwela, between Bath Tap and the end of the Sea Road have been a part of the resort’s seafront for more than a century. They are loved by people eating picnics, fish and chips, sitting and reading, or sheltering from the sun or rain but still able to enjoy the sea views. East Suffolk Council this summer spent £150,000 on refurbishing the shelters on the south beach.
Geoff Holdcroft, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said: “These well-loved shelters are situated within a prominent location on Felixstowe’s south seafront and play an important role in supporting the tourism economy within the town.”
News Source: Ipswich Star
The scene today showed severe damage to the seaward-side of the open shelter. WIndows had smashed and blown and woodwork was left charred. Rubbish bins were mangled and melted. The Victorian and Edwardian shelters, named Manwick and Arwela, between Bath Tap and the end of the Sea Road have been a part of the resort’s seafront for more than a century. They are loved by people eating picnics, fish and chips, sitting and reading, or sheltering from the sun or rain but still able to enjoy the sea views. East Suffolk Council this summer spent £150,000 on refurbishing the shelters on the south beach.
Geoff Holdcroft, Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, said: “These well-loved shelters are situated within a prominent location on Felixstowe’s south seafront and play an important role in supporting the tourism economy within the town.”
News Source: Ipswich Star
The scene today showed severe damage to the seaward-side of the open shelter.
9 October 2020 (03:47) - Fire crews tackle flat oven fire on Wells high street
The occupant of a flat had a lucky escape after food left in the oven started a fire. Neighbours in the building saw smoke residue coming from a first floor flat above a shop in Wells high street. They called the fire service at 3.47am this morning (October 9).
“Crews were soon on scene and had gained entry to the flat within minutes of arriving,” said a spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. “One casualty, suffering from smoke inhalation, was led to safety by fire service personnel who rendered oxygen therapy awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. In the meantime, the small fire, involving food stuffs left unattended in an oven, had been extinguished by two firefighters in breathing apparatus, using a hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera. Crews worked well to prevent any further fire spread, containing it to the oven but remained on scene for some time clearing the property of smoke and making the area safe. The incident was under control at 04:49hrs, with crews coming away shortly after this time.” Crews from Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet attended the incident.
The actual building has not been identified, however almost all buildings in High Street are
Grade II listed, with many dating back to the 15th century. The street lies in the Wells Conservation Area.
News Source: Somerset County Gazette
“Crews were soon on scene and had gained entry to the flat within minutes of arriving,” said a spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. “One casualty, suffering from smoke inhalation, was led to safety by fire service personnel who rendered oxygen therapy awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. In the meantime, the small fire, involving food stuffs left unattended in an oven, had been extinguished by two firefighters in breathing apparatus, using a hose reel jet and thermal imaging camera. Crews worked well to prevent any further fire spread, containing it to the oven but remained on scene for some time clearing the property of smoke and making the area safe. The incident was under control at 04:49hrs, with crews coming away shortly after this time.” Crews from Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet attended the incident.
The actual building has not been identified, however almost all buildings in High Street are
Grade II listed, with many dating back to the 15th century. The street lies in the Wells Conservation Area.
News Source: Somerset County Gazette
Wells High Street (Credit: Google)
8 October 2020 (01:37) - Phone Box Fire in Hinxton, South Cambrigeshire
On Thursday (8th) at 1.37am a crew from Sawston were called to a fire on Hinxton High Street. On arrival firefighters found a phone box containing books on fire and extinguished the flames using a hose reel. They returned to their station by 2.15am. The cause of the fire was accidental.
The Grade II listed K6 telephone box had been re-purposed as a mini-library.
News Source: Cambridgeshire F&RS
The Grade II listed K6 telephone box had been re-purposed as a mini-library.
News Source: Cambridgeshire F&RS
The historic phone box was destroyed in the blaze
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: K6 Telephone Kiosk
Listing Date: 16 November 1994 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1200406 English Heritage Legacy ID: 350368 Location: Hinxton, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, CB10 County: Cambridgeshire District: South Cambridgeshire Civil Parish: Hinxton Traditional County: Cambridgeshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cambridgeshire Church of England Parish: Hinxton St Mary and St John Church of England Diocese: Ely |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.0845 / 52°5'4"N Longitude: 0.182 / 0°10'55"E OS Eastings: 549607 OS Northings: 245153 OS Grid: TL496451 Mapcode National: GBR MB7.BTQ Mapcode Global: VHHKQ.3VLW Plus Code: 9F4235MJ+RR |
Before the fire
2 October 2020 (23:00) - Historic pub damaged as flames rip through 170-year-old site
A devastating fire tore through an historic pub last night. Fire crews were called to the Halton Castle following reports of a blaze at around 11pm on Friday. Flames could be seen tearing through the inside of the building. Firefighters from stations in Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and a crew from Greater Manchester attended the building, which is on Castle Lane on the outskirts of Ormskirk. Crews battled the fire for three hours before the presence was reduced to one team.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival firefighters found the roof of a building approximately 50m by 40m well alight. Crews used the stinger and three hose reels to bring the fire under control. At approximately 2am the number of fire engines was reduced to one to monitor the scene and continue damping down." The service said an investigation would be launched to examine the cause of the fire.
The pub dates back to the 1840s but has been derelict for several years. It closed its doors in July 2016 and the land has since been the subject of planning enquiries, with proposals to build homes on the site considered in 2017. The pub, and its attached bowling green, would be completely lost to make way for the houses. Castle Lane, between Wigan Road and Ormskirk Golf Club, remained closed on Saturday due to concerns about the structural safety of the building.
News Source: Echo
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "On arrival firefighters found the roof of a building approximately 50m by 40m well alight. Crews used the stinger and three hose reels to bring the fire under control. At approximately 2am the number of fire engines was reduced to one to monitor the scene and continue damping down." The service said an investigation would be launched to examine the cause of the fire.
The pub dates back to the 1840s but has been derelict for several years. It closed its doors in July 2016 and the land has since been the subject of planning enquiries, with proposals to build homes on the site considered in 2017. The pub, and its attached bowling green, would be completely lost to make way for the houses. Castle Lane, between Wigan Road and Ormskirk Golf Club, remained closed on Saturday due to concerns about the structural safety of the building.
News Source: Echo
The Halton Castle pub, Ormskirk
2 October 2020 (21:00*) - Fire crews battle thatched cottage blaze near Devizes
Fire crews battled a blaze at a thatched cottage in Stert, near Devizes on Friday evening. But problems started before they even arrived at the house as the lane was too narrow for the fire engine. A Devizes fire spokesman said: "We were called out to a chimney fire at a thatched property in Stert, along with Melksham Fire Station and the aerial platform from Swindon. "On arrival it was clear that our appliance couldn't get down the lane to the property so we had to attend by foot carrying all equipment with us. Thankfully it hadn't spread to the roof as the logistics of manoeuvring at least 10 other appliances would of been a bit of a headache to say the least. The fire was quickly extinguished using stirrup pump."
It is unclear which building had the fire, but there are two thatched cottages along this lane, Vale Cottage and Vine Cottage. Both date back to the late 16th century and both are Grade II listed.
News Source: Wiltshire Times
It is unclear which building had the fire, but there are two thatched cottages along this lane, Vale Cottage and Vine Cottage. Both date back to the late 16th century and both are Grade II listed.
News Source: Wiltshire Times
