Arson probe after second fire at college

AN ARSON investigation was launched after derelict college buildings went up in flames for the second time in a matter of five weeks.

The former Skelmersdale College has been frequently targeted by vandals, arsonists and explorers since being left empty in 2011 and are due to be demolished in a matter of weeks.

Fire crews were called to the Yewdale buildings at around 6.45pm last Monday (August 24) as thick, black plumes of smoke billowed from the empty facility. No culprits were identified at the scene but police have since confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson and an investigation is under way.

The site was recently bought by Lancashire County Council for a nominal £1 fee and the buildings will soon be cleared to make way for the proposed Skelmersdale rail station.

According to West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper, Lancashire County Council expects demolition to begin this autumn. The Labour MP has called for work to take place as soon as possible to prevent further crime and disorder at the site.

Speaking in August, she said that residents have often raised concerns about the buildings being easy to access and about having to put up with the eyesore.

She added that work was expected to begin in “the coming weeks” which would prevent any further delays to the station plans.

But after the latest incident Ms

Cooper said: “Only this month I received confirmation that the buildings are set to be demolished but here we have yet another arson attack on the former West Lancashire College buildings on Yewdale.

“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 and firefighters.

“Now that Lancashire County Council have approved the acquisition of the former West Lancashire College buildings, I have asked the Chief Executive to get these buildings demolished quickly.”