CAFE BLAZE

AN investigation has been launched after a town centre cafe fire.

A crew from Hyndburn fire station were called to Lily Maes on King Street at around 7.30am on Friday, February 24, after being alerted by a passing milkman.

Firefighters said the cause of the blaze is under investigation but is believed to have started in the kitchen area.

It is not being treated as suspicious.

John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was a milkman so big thumbs up to him for his alertness and public spiritedness in dialling 999.

“I don’t know if he was delivering milk there or just passing by, but he said could smell burning and see black smoke.”

A Hyndburn fire station spokesperson said the cafe was smoke-logged with only a small amount of fire damage.

LIBRARY PLANS

A COMMUNITY group tasked with re-opening a library has praised the ‘incredible response’ from residents.

Oswaldtwistle library, which has been closed since September 2016, is set to reopen later this spring if finances are put in place.

The Oswaldtwistle LAMP Community Group will require at least £1,200 every month to keep the 101-year-old facility open.

Former chairman Chris Brindle said nearly 120 people have responded to a survey about the library – with more than 90 per cent willing to make donations to keep it running.

He said: “We have had an incredible response from the survey.

“Nearly 92 per cent said they would make a small donation to borrow books and the ‘sweet spot’ seems to be 50p. Also, 52 per cent said they are prepared to make a small monthly donation and 83 per cent said they would buy books from us.”

Chris has now stepped down from his role as chairman due to work commitments.

John Woods will be his successor.