Club building could be flattened following fire
BURTON RFC’S FORMER PREMISES WAS ALREADY SET FOR DEMOLITION TO MAKE WAY FOR SUPERMARKET
BURTON’S former rugby club could be bulldozed ahead of schedule after a fire ripped through the building causing structural damage.
It is believed the club could have been deliberately set on fire after fire crews saw evidence of rough sleeping inside the premises when they arrived on Thursday.
The incident led to the attendance of more than 40 firefighters who were on the scene for most of the day. The club moved out several months ago to its new location in Tatenhill, and the site is already set to be knocked down to make way for a new Lidl supermarket.
Station manager Paul Cullen revealed that the interlinked buildings had suffered “significant” fire damage, smoke damage and damage caused by the water used to extinguish the flames.
He also said it had suffered structural damage and that a representative from Lidl had attended.
The rugby club, in Lichfield Street, was recently sold to Lidl to make way for the new supermarket and a drivethrough restaurant.
The nearby old Blockbuster video hire shop will also go, to be replaced by three business units. The club has been empty since March, when rugby players held their last match before moving to new premises in Branston Road, Tatenhill.
Mr Cullen said it may be that Lidl will want to demolish the buildings sooner than it had planned due to the structural damage.
Lidl declined to comment at the scene on Thursday. Paramedics, police and firefighters headed to the scene just before noon to find the building alight.
There were not thought to be any casualties, with ambulance crews on standby in case any were discovered.
However, blankets, bedding and mattresses were found in the Peel Croft building, suggesting rough sleeping. Cadent gas network engineers turned up to isolate the gas supply, while the fire was not widespread enough to merit evacuated neighbouring properties and businesses.
A spokesman for Lidl said: “We can confirm that local fire and police services were contacted following an incident at the old Burton Rugby Club on Thursday, and we are supporting them during their investigation.
“We will share an update with the local community as soon as we are in a position to do so.”