Firecrews praised for saving arson-hit building
Developers have praised the efforts of firefighters after they saved an historic building in Telford from destruction.
Developers have praised the efforts of firefighters after they saved an historic building in Telford from destruction.
Smoke poured from every window of the Walker Institute in Oakengates last night following an arson attack.
The 1920s former college building, which was previously occupied by the Telford College of Arts and Technology, was bought by Hama Investments Ltd. The company is transforming it into 14 apartments.
Project manager of the development, Angie Kousoulou, from Wellington-based Regency Project Consultants, said: “The firefighters saved us, they did a great job. We have been broken into every day for the last five days.
“Yesterday morning we came in and found sledgehammers in the building where they had been trying to smash the radiators and rob those as well. It’s a continual battle against the thieves, basically.
“We will have full-time 24-hour security on site in two weeks’ time.
“We are the only developers who have shown interest in retaining the building, everyone else wanted to destroy it.
“If they burnt the whole building down that would be a problem purely because you can’t find the craftsmen to build that type of structure. Just to rebuild the shell would cost £1.5 million.
“It won’t deter us. We have received great support from the local residents. When we finish it will be the most spectacular residential development in Telford, without question or doubt.”
Firefighters fought the blaze for just under two hours after rushing to the scene at 5.45pm.
Mark Weaver, station manager at Telford Fire Station and the incident commander, said: “We had six pumps in attendance.
“The aerial ladder platform was mobilised in case the fire spread into the roof.
“When we turned up smoke was issuing from all windows in the main part of the building, crews worked really well and really hard and limited the fire damage. To save the building took some fantastic fire fighting.”
Anyone with information about the blaze should contact Telford police on 0300 3333 000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Comments for: "Firecrews praised for saving arson-hit building"
Mike S
As an ex full time Firefighter (Well Watch Mangager as it's now called) I hated to be "praised" for doing what I was paid (hansomely) to do. I always had a feeling of slight awkwardness when speaking to the media for taking praise knowing we were a very small cog in a very big gear, realising that the Fire Service cannot do their job without the support of other services.
People that put the "call" in should be praised, the water authority who supply the water (Who are under constant criticsm), also, the Police for (usually) finding the culprits, Road Highways to allow you through the next day, the media (for making us aware of closures etc) and all other organisations that play a minor, but very important role.
Lets share the praise.
Retired firefighter
As an ex watch manager you should know that firefighters never get praised for doing a good job. I feel that the comments are just and fair. With all the cuts taking place in this county I think the standard of our fire and rescue service is excellent. If a police officer tackles a member of the public with a knife they get a medal if a firefighter tackles a difficult fire you slate him. Surely the police get paid handsomely as well. Well done Shropshire fire and rescue