Arson suspected after blaze at historic pub
AN ARSON investigation is under way after a historic pub was torched on Friday night. Flames burst through the former Halton Castle pub, in Westhead village, when arsonists started the blaze inside the 170-year-old building.
Crews spent more than three hours tackling the blaze on Friday night and Saturday morning, with Castle Lane remaining closed throughout that morning as investigations took place.
Firefighters’ efforts in tackling the fire were hampered by a “rogue drone” which was flying above the historic building. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service deploy their own drones – unmanned flying devices with cameras attached – in such incidents to give them an aerial view.
The service has repeatedly pleaded with people not to fly their own drones over fires as it prevents their own units from being deployed. The drones are vital for situational awareness and firefighter safety but on Friday night, crews could not deploy one for half an hour due to a member of the public already flying one.
A joint probe by Lancashire’s police and fire services is now ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward. A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “We were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building in Crosshall Brow, Ormskirk, at 11.26pm on October 2.
“The incident is currently being treated as arson and enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone with information (should) call police on 101, quoting log 1822 of October 2, 2020.”
The pub dates back to the 1840s but has fallen into an increasingly poor state in recent years. Former owners Marston’s Inns sold the pub to developers in 2016, to the dismay of neighbours and bowling teams which used its attached crown green for more than two decades.
Planning permission was then granted in 2018 allowing it to be demolished and replaced with six semi-detached houses and four apartments. However, progress has been slow and construction appeared to grind to a halt earlier this year.
In April, the council refused to discharge a number of conditions linked to the approval of the application, concerning issues including drainage and noise.
Both the firm which applied for planning permission and Mees Demolition, which was carrying out works at the site, are in the process of being voluntarily wound up.
Liverpool-based Alliance Properties NW is now understood to be responsible for the property and is expected to submit a new application to build housing there.
A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters from Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and a crew from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue attended reports of a fire at a derelict commercial premises on Castle Lane, West Head.
“On arrival firefighters found the roof of a building approximately 50m by 40m well alight. Crews used the stinger (piercing spike) and three hose reels to bring the fire under control.”