Plea to demolish factory before tragedy strikes

From the The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, first published Thursday 5th Jan 2006.

KNOCK down this derelict building before someone dies that is the message from councillors following a five hour blaze at the former Signum Circuits building last week.

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on the building in Station Road, Calne, which was fought by 25 firefighters on December 27.

Youngsters often break into the building, which already had a number of safety problems before last week's inferno on the first floor.

According to the fire brigade, there are a number of holes in the floor, a lot of loose cables, debris and the structure of the building itself is unsafe in areas.

The site at the top of Station Road is currently the subject of an outline planning application for up to 115 houses.

The proposals for development, submitted by KPMG Corporate Recovery, were supported by Calne Town Council in November.

Coun Simon Coy said it would only be a matter of time before someone is killed unless something is done and he would again be highlighting the problem at North Wiltshire District Council.

"The sooner they can get the thing razed to the ground and developed the better, because it's a complete danger zone," he said.

"I have been saying for two years that somebody is very likely to get killed in there. If they go in and start fires, it's very easy to get trapped or overcome by fumes.

"I'm not surprised there was a fire in there, because the building has never been made completely secure.

"It's a complete eyesore and it's a danger to the people in that area."

Town Mayor Cathy Bowyer visited the factory following the blaze last week and said it is time that action is taken to secure the site.

"The town council have previously voiced concern over this derelict property and we foresaw it would be an opportunity for vandalism," she said.

"It is very frustrating that nothing has been done to better secure the property.

"I am very sorry that those who are responsible for this don't foresee the seriousness or consequences of their actions. It's risking people's lives."

Coun Bowyer praised the efforts of the fire crews from Calne, Chippenham, Corsham and Melksham who took about five hours to bring the blaze under control.

Coun Richard Stigwood said he wanted to replace the factory with housing as soon as possible.

"The place needs to be pulled down and demolished," he said. "Outline planning permission has gone in for housing and I would give it my full support.

"If we are not careful, someone is going to get killed up on that site before something gets done.

"We don't want it to be a fire officer or even some of the people who are actually setting fire to the place.

"It really does need to be looked at seriously. Although it's been bricked and boarded up, people are still getting in."

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