Investigations going on over fire at former school Lilley and Stone School, London Road, Newark
Calls have been made for urgent action after an education block at a former school – described as Newark’s most dangerous playground – was burnt to the ground on Tuesday.
Fire crews from Newark, Collingham and Carlton attended the fire at Lilley and Stone School on London Road from 5.30pm.
Campaigners from Lilley & Stone Site in Peril Community Organisation (LASSIPCO) have feared continued destruction of the once-proud school, and this week their fears were realised, despite trustees of the site enhancing security arrangements.
Lilley and Stone has been vacant for years and the trustess that are responsible for the site have been accused of inaction while anti-social behaviour and damage becomes rife.
Jonah Cozens-Allen, from LASSIPCO, said: “We have been very anxious about the site and the behaviour of the trustees for some time. Enquiries have been met with a wall of silence.
“We are thankful that no one was hurt in the fire and as always are grateful for the excellent work of our police and the fire brigade.
“We understand that serious enquiries are being undertaken by all the relevant authorities. We thank the Newark public for their support as we do all we can to make sure that the interests of the beneficiaries are uppermost in everyone’s minds.”
A planning application is expected to be submitted soon that will use funds generated through the construction of new homes on the site to pay for the restoration of listed buildings, arguing one cannot happen without the other.
Those proposals are opposed by LASSIPCO who want the open spaces protected.
LASSIPCO campaign spokesman Rowan Cozens added: “We are pleased that no one was hurt in the fire and also that this matter is being looked into as a matter of urgency at the district council. We thank the fire service and the police for their help.”
Jack Brentnall a spokesman for the Lilley and Stone trustees, said: “In response to previous anti-social behaviour on the site we have enhanced security on behalf of the trustees.
“This has included the installation of CCTV, padlock protection around the site, and a team of staff who are patrolling the site with dogs. We are sad to see this kind of behaviour taking place and we are working with the relevant authorities to understand how this happened.”
Inquiries are taking place to establish the cause of the fire.
Nottinghamshire Police appealed to anyone with information to call on 101 quoting incident 647 of May 30, 2023.
