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99March March2022 2022
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HISTORIC FORMER HALL DEVASTATED IN BLAZE Arson suspected in fire at building last used as Old Toby pub Report by Henry James ARSONISTS are believed to have caused a massive blaze which devastated the historic former Skelmersdale Hall building which was last used as the Old Toby pub. The building on Ashurst Road, Skelmersdale, which dates back to 1712, was severely damaged in the fire on the evening of Friday, March 4. Pictures from above the building showed a huge pillar of smoke and flames coming from the roof. A local heritage group have spoken of their sadness at the incident while a local councillor has demanded to know why the building was not secured, especially as a small fire broke out at the site two weeks ago. Six fire engines from the area plus two from Greater Manchester and an aerial The scene at the former Skelmersdale Hall after the fire. Pictures by Gavin Cleland. ladder platform from Preston, attended the fire at the Grade II listed building. A Lancashire Police spokesman said the fire is on social media: “I cannot understand why this There are many houses close to the building, and being treated as suspicious and a joint investigation building was not completely secured after a smaller fire broke out on the same site two weeks ago. road closures remained in place for several hours. with the fire service has been launched. “Around a half of all UK fires are arson. If buildings Crews maintained a presence at the scene into the Anybody with information should call 101, quotare left empty and accessible the likelihood is they night making sure the blaze was under control. ing log 1037 of March 4. No injuries have been reported. Ashurst borough councillor James Upjohn wrote will be vandalised or burned down.
The fire tore through the building.
“I want to know what powers our council has to ensure this doesn’t keep happening? “I want to know from Historic England what can be done about this building. I hope it can be restored.” Skelmersdale Heritage Society wrote on social media: “As a group of volunteers that give up our time to help preserve Skelmersdale’s history, we are very unhappy that this has happened. “I will ask West Lancashire Council Heritage team about what precautions were taken to prevent something like this happening.” Last year the Champion reported on plans to build 60 apartments for extra-care living accommodation at the site. In the application all existing buildings on the site are proposed to be demolished apart from the Grade II listed building Skelmersdale Hall. The application is still awaiting a decision.
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