Tenant in call for action after flats arson attack
AFED-UP tenant has called for action after residents were treated by paramedics following a suspected arson attack at flats.
Crews rushed to St Leger Court in Accrington on the afternoon of Saturday, February 8 following a ‘persons-reported’ fire, meaning possible risk to human life.
The fire service said the blaze, which saw three casualties treated by paramedics, is under joint investigation with the police, and is ‘thought to be suspicious’.
Maggie Ann Leslie, who has lived at the Onward Homes-owned flats for six years, says residents, including a woman trapped by the flames, are angry and scared following the terrifying incident - and other anti-social behaviour outside their block involving young people. She says tenants include vulnerable people with dementia, mobility problems and mental health difficulties.
Maggie, 51, said: “In the flats you’ve only got one route of escape. We were shouting to [one of residents] to go back into her back room. They took her to hospital to get her checked out. She had soot around her nose and mouth. The other two were an elderly couple who lived downstairs.”
Maggie claims tenants have reported several incidents of nuisance, including intimidatory behaviour and littering, over the past 12 months, however the housing association has been unable to find any previous reports.
She told the Observer: “Me and my neighbours downstairs are trying to sort things out for the ones that are more vulnerable. That lady was trapped in her upstairs flat before the fire brigade came. Potentially she could have lost her life. She got discharged the same day and ended up staying at a friend’s house but she’s back now. You can clearly see the fear in her face.
“I’ve been down [to Onward Homes] several times personally and I know other residents have complained. Nothing has been done. We are not going to live like this and put up with this and then sit here after a major incident has happened. Other people are now too scared to come out of their flats.”
The fire service said engines from Hyndburn, Rawtenstall and Burnley were called to a building fire at St Leger Court at 1.45pm on February 8.
A spokesman said: “Three casualties were treated by paramedics. Crews used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire which involved wheelie bins. Firefighters were at the scene for one hour and forty minutes.”
In a statement Onward Homes, which replaced Hyndburn Homes when it was established in April 2018, said: “The safety and welfare of our residents is always our first priority and our safer neighbourhoods team visited Saint Leger Court yesterday to discuss the bin fire and concerns with residents including Ms Leslie.
“We have no previous recorded incidents of youth nuisance at Saint Leger Court but we are working closely with the residents and police to take every step possible to try and ensure an incident like this does not happen again. We will also seek to meet with the local councillors, MP and residents to discuss all their issues and concerns. All our residents have the right to feel safe in their own homes and Onward will not tolerate intimidation or anti-social behaviour against our communities.”
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “The cause of the fire is being investigated and treated as suspicious. If anyone has information regarding this incident please call 101 quoting log number 780 of 8 Feb.”
A residents’ meeting has been called for 4pm on Sunday, February 16 at St James Old School, Cannon Street.
The police, councillors and Onward Housing staff are invited to attend the meeting, which is described as an opportunity to have a say and air concerns, and find positive solutions to move forward as a community.