Vendors sought for market at castle
AN investigation has been launched into a suspected arson attack at a former rugby club building.
Crews from Birstall and Leicester’s Eastern and Central stations were called to the scene, off Covert Lane in Scraptoft, shortly before 11pm on Sunday.
The fierce blaze lit up the sky and could be seen for several miles around.
No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident.
However, much of the building, which used to be the home of Stoneygate Rugby Football Club, was badly damaged.
A spokesman for the fire service said: “We received the initial call at 10.54pm to reports of a fire in Covert Lane, Scraptoft.
“Upon arrival, crews confirmed that a two-storey derelict building was involved in fire.
“It is a disused rugby club building.
“The building was well alight and the fire was located on the first floor.”
An additional two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were requested and three main jets and one hose reel were used to fight the fire.
The gutted building was still smouldering into the early hours of Monday, as firefighters continued the damping down process.
The spokesman said: “The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”
He said that the gutted building was largely destroyed in the blaze, suffering “80 per cent damage” by fire.
The incident has now been passed on to the police, who were also on the scene in the early hours. The building has been empty since the club relocated. It is now based in Uppingham.
BELVOIR Castle is to hold its third Christmas market and the attraction is looking for retailers to take part.
The Christmas market will be held in The Engine Yard retail development, at the foot of the castle.
This year’s market will be inspired by Christmas in Scandinavia and will feature 25 wooden shopping chalets which will sit alongside The Engine Yard’s existing shops and retailers.
Temporary vendors are being sought to take up residence in the Scandi-style chalets for the weekends of November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6 and December 11 to 13.
Open from 11am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, it is hoped the Christmas market will attract families, couples and groups of friends from all over Leicestershire and the surrounding counties.
There will be live music and carol singers.
The Duchess of Rutland said: “With everything we’ve all endured this year, we really want to give our visitors a festive period to get excited about. We’re very lucky to be outdoors and have the space to abide by all the necessary social distancing measures in order to keep our guests safe.”
The cost for stallholders is £350 per weekend and £900 for all three weekends. Full refunds will be available to vendors if Covid-19 forces the cancellation of the event.