Blaze was ‘incident waiting to happen’

The owner of a pub affected by a fire on Leven High Street claims the incident was inevitable after her concerns were ignored.

Crown Inn boss Cath Bissett spoke out in the wake of Friday night’s blaze that saw the former G Masterton Jewellers building go up in flames.

Crews battled the fire overnight before leaving the scene on Saturday afternoon, with police inquiries ongoing.

The bar – next door to the old jewellery shop – will be closed for the foreseeable future due the extensive damage to its neighbouring premises.

Ms Bissett told The Courier she regularly raised concerns about “constant vandalism” to the building and claims the fire – yards from one that destroyed a Poundstretcher shop three weeks ago – could have been avoided.

She said: “This was an incident waiting to happen if the building wasn’t properly secured.”

Police Scotland did not comment on the security of the building, instead reiterating their appeal for witnesses.