FIREFIGHTERS battled to control a large-scale fire at a derelict community facility in County Durham last night, as emergency services raced to the scene to save the burning building.
Seven fire engines attended the incident, which happened at around 8pm at the old Miners’ Welfare Club in Willington and saw flames and smoke ascending over the village for most of the evening.
Residents living around the area were advised to keep windows closed, while Durham Police closed off Hunwick Lane to allow access for emergency vehicles.
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After battling the flames for 30 minutes, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue brought the fire under control.
The fire service returned to the scene this morning, where investigations continue to take place.
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue said: “At approximately 5.30pm yesterday afternoon, (April 12) our crews were alerted to a large fire at Spectrum Leisure Centre in Willington.
"Seven appliances attended, appliances from Bishop Auckland, Crook, Consett, Darlington, High Handenhold and Spennymoor along with the aerial ladder platform.
"Today (April 13), one appliance was in attendance damping down and will visit the site throughout the day to assess the scene. The site has been secured with fencing and the local authority has taken responsibility of the site. The roads are open."
Following the incident, county councillors for Willington and Hunwick, Olwyn Gunn and Fraser Tinsley, informed residents that Public Health England had attended the site, and efforts would be made to investigate the factors surrounding the large fire.
Posting on social media, a joint statement from the councillors read: “Many residents will be aware that there has been a major fire at the former Miners Welfare building in Willington.
“Many appliances from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services attended the incident.
“Investigations are continuing as to the cause of the fire, and these will continue.
“Efforts have been made to contact the owner of the building who is responsible for the building. Until contact can be made, the council will take responsibility for the site and making it safe.
The statement continued: “We have requested that the remaining structure be surveyed, and the site secured. There may be some impact on highways movement in the immediate area of the site for some time.
“Public Health England have also been contacted and have visited the site this evening.
“A large smoke plum was created, and the weather conditions mean this this will take some time to dissipate. Our advice for those living in the area is to keep your windows closed until it disperses.
“We ask that you avoid the area if possible and tell all children to keep away.
“We continue to be in contact with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and pass on any further information when this is available”.
More to follow.
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