Newport choir loses £28,000 as arsonists torch hall

A Shropshire choir has lost almost £30,000 worth of equipment after

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Music books and song sheets belonging to the Newport Male Voice Choir were set alight in the attack on St Nicholas Church Parish Rooms, in New Street, at about 2.30am yesterday. Fire crews from Newport, Wellington and Shrewsbury attended the blaze which took five hours to bring under control.

It is believed the arsonists broke in and set fire to the music sheets – some of which were 70-years-old.

David Tooth, of the choir, said: "I'm shattered, it's completely devastating. The hall has been the home of the choir for the past 70 years and now we have lost everything.

"All our music is ruined and we have also lost our home. Our music sheets and books are worth at least £28,000. It's going to be impossible to build up the complete collection again."

The fire caused extensive damage to the hall's committee room, kitchen and roof.

Alan Hazeldine, caretaker and manager of the hall, said: "It's heartbreaking. The hall is the hub of the community and is used by at least 20 local groups.

"The damage caused will easily go into the thousands but as yet we have no idea how bad it actually is. The kitchen and community room are completely gone and there is extensive damage to the roof. Why anyone would do this is beyond me."

Shaun Baker, incident commander for Shropshire Fire and Rescue, said they believed the fire was started deliberately.

He said: "I believe it was started by somebody setting fire to papers which helped the flames to spread. We were alerted by a passer-by who heard a bang and saw flames coming out a window."

Fire crews were still at the scene at 10am on Sunday morning. Ruth Corrigan, from Newport, was due to hold two pilates classes in the hall this morning. She said: "Somebody's few minutes of mindless fun will affect an awful lot of people."