Arson attack on flats 'part of campaign'

An arson attack on a historic Shropshire building is the latest in a long catalogue of crimes along its street, a building boss claimed today. The attack was on the 1920s Walker Institute.

The building, in Hartsbridge Road, Oakengates, was almost destroyed on Thursday night.

Firefighters saved it but developers and business bosses say they are sick of being targeted by criminals.

The building, previously occupied by Telford College of Arts and Technology, is being transformed into 14 luxury flats by Hama Investments. Project manager Angie Kousoulou, said the building had been the target of a criminals for six weeks.

Now Malcolm Hall, manager of builders merchants Travis Perkins, which overlooks the institute, said his business had been a target for criminals for two years.