Derelict college buildings damaged in latest arson attack
DERELICT college buildings earmarked for a £2m demolition were targeted by arsonists last weekend.
Calls have now been made to speed up the clearance of the former Skelmersdale College buildings which have been repeatedly targeted by vandals and urban explorers in recent years.
Seven fire engines were sent to the buildings, in Yewdale, on Saturday night when a fire was deliberately started inside.
Crews from Skelmersdale and Ormskirk were called at about 8.15pm and three additional fire engines were requested from Chorley and Greater Manchester to assist with water relay.
Firefighters spent more than two hours battling the blaze, the latest in a long series to hit the buildings.
The Advertiser understands that the fire is considered to be arson but will not be investigated by police.
The buildings have stood empty for almost a decade since the college was renamed West Lancashire College and relocated to a new £42.8m campus in September 2011. Lancashire County Council last month approved plans to buy the site for a nominal £1 fee as well as committing £2m to demolish the buildings in preparation for the development of a Skelmersdale railway station.
With a plan finally in place for the site’s future, Rosie Cooper MP has called for the demolition to take place as soon as possible.
She said: “I have long called for these buildings to be demolished as they continue to attract trespassers and arsonists, posing a real risk to local Skelmersdale residents.”