Allotment buildings destroyed by blaze
FUNDRAISING APPEAL LAUNCHED AS ARSON SUSPECT IS ARRESTED
FUNDRAISERS are rallying support for allotment holders who lost tools and equipment in a Sutton-in-ashfield blaze.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Friday evening after the allotments in Lane End, off Mansfield Road, caught fire.
Explosions were reported in the seconds after the blaze started, with fire crews from several stations called to tackle the fire.
The Mansfield and Ashfield community has since come together to support the victims of the blaze, which is being treated as arson by police.
A Gofundme page, set up by Kirkby-in-ashfield resident Nadine Oates, has committed to raising £500 and has already surpassed half of its target.
She aims to replace items like greenhouses, sheds and plants which were destroyed by the fire.
She told the Post: “I know what work goes into my little garden and I felt for them, so I wanted to see what I could do.
“It’s snowballed from there. I’ve had people asking me if they can donate equipment and then money, which is why I set up the Gofundme.
“It was originally for equipment, tools, pots, greenhouse glass, and anything people would kindly donate.
“I’ve been in contact with someone there, and at the moment it’s mainly tools and sheds they’re after because everything has gone.
“Spades and forks too, and there’s also a guy who’s just had a new shed which burnt down so they’re looking to buy him a new one.”
The 32-year-old says anyone who wishes to donate items can message the online fundraising page.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as the fire tore through the allotment, with dramatic pictures showing the raging flames during the incident.
Officers from Ashfield District Council supported emergency services at the scene by providing reassurance to residents.
Councillor David Hennigan, who independently represents Sutton Central and New Cross, praised the response and urged residents to donate to the fundraiser.
“It was a devastating event but it could have been far worse,” he said.
“I was inundated with phone calls and messages on Friday night from worried residents.
“I would hope that anybody with information will contact the police.
“Somebody could have been killed and it’s only thanks to our fire service and other emergency services that nobody was.
“Council officers from Ashfield District Council were also at the scene on Friday night providing reassurance to residents and assisting the emergency services.
“I can’t thank them enough for yet again going above the call of duty along with everybody else.
“I hope residents will help allotment holders get back on their feet by donating to the fundraising page.”
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed on Saturday that a 31-yearold man was arrested shortly after the fire on suspicion of arson and assaulting an emergency worker.
While being detained, it is alleged that the man racially abused and threatened an officer.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Nick Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a resourceintensive incident that required a joint response from emergency services.
“Not only has this caused damage to several of the allotments but it would have also been incredibly concerning for the local community. I’d like to reassure residents that we quickly arrested a suspect in connection with this case and are now working to establish the circumstances.” To donate to the fundraiser and support the victims, go to www. gofundme.com/f/support-for-laneend-allotments-after-the-fire.
If you have information which could support police with their enquiries, call 101 quoting incident 868 of May 14, 2021.
It was a devastating event but it could have been far worse
Councillor David Hennigan