Fire-hit pavilion to be razed

A beloved sports pavilion is set to be knocked down after it was twice targeted by arsonists. Hersden Pavilion was destroyed after the fires - with the first, on March 26, causing £7,000 worth of damage. Just over a week later on April 4, it was again engulfed in flames.

Black smoke billowed into the air as fire crews tackled the blaze, which was later ruled to be “suspicious”. Residents were left devastated, with Louise Murphy Waite of nearby Shaftesbury Road saying: “It’s part of our heritage, which is why this saddens me so much.

“It’s like watching our memories burn down. It actually brought me to tears.”

The second attack virtually destroyed the pavilion, and left the structure needing to be demolished to make the city council-owned site safe. A specialist company will carry out the work, due to asbestos contamination at the site. The council’s head of contracts and facilities management, Alexis Jobson, said: “Sadly, in recent years the pavilion has been targeted by thieves who stole pipework and electricals causing £60,000 worth of damage, and now by arsonists too. “Vandals have also visited the site since the latest devastating fire. What remains of the building needs to be demolished for everyone’s health and safety.” But Mrs Jobson says there could be another pavilion on the land in future.

“This is a short-term solution,” she said. “We are conscious of how important building was to the community so we will work with our councillors, the parish council and local people on the options for the future, which includes the possibility of rebuilding a facility there.” The site has been boarded up and fenced off while council officers work with the council’s insurance company, and seek planning permission for demolition.

■ Police are still investigating the fire, and urge anyone with information to call 01843 222289, quoting 46/66427/20.

Pictures: Canterbury City Council The site was targeted by arsonists on two separate occasions

The fire at Hersden pavilion