Fire at historic Ely House in Wisbech prompts calls for even more urgent action to safeguard the property
Ely House, the oldest home in Wisbech, could be made subject to a closure order in the next few weeks a move that can't come fast enough according to one councillor after a fire last night.
And the move cannot come quick enough for local Councillor David Patrick who has been calling for action on the Grade II listed building, amidst fears over a potential fire risk at the house in Lynn Road.
Those fears became a reality last night (Tuesday) with a fire in the outbuildings of the property, which has become the boarded up home to squatters in recent months.
Coun Patrick, who has already raised concerns about the future of the home which is badly dilapidated, said: "My fears have become a reality with a fire in the outbuildings last night. I have been saying that having squatters in the property is a fire risk and now it has happened.
"We really need something done to protect the house from further vandalism and damage. It is a health and safety concern. Luckily last night's fire was confined to the outbuilding but next time it could be in the house itself."
He believes the move to bring a closure order, being instigated by Fenland District Council, could save it from further vandalism.
Images of the inside of the house on Lynn Road, which dates back to the early 17th century, emerged on social media at the weekend clearly showing squatters have taken up residence in the property.
Coun Patrick fears the Grade II listed building will fall into further disrepair unless urgent action is taken to stem its decline.
His concerns have been heightened by the squatters who have forced their way into the empty building and are using it not only as shelter, but also for alleged illegal activity such as drug taking.
He said: “A closure order will prevent anyone from entering the building, and will mean anyone who breaches it will face prosecution. The pictures posted on Facebook at the weekend are really concerning, it looks as if a hole has been knocked in one wall and you can see just how bad it is.”
Earlier this month Fenland Council confirmed it was looking into taking legal action to force the owner to bring the building back into good repair. Coun Patrick said the council has since issued a notice to confirm the owner’s identity and is now looking at the closure order.
Posting on their Facebook page Policing Fenland said: "At 8.37pm hours tonight officers along with members of the public discovered a large shed on fire in the ground of Ely House, Lynn Road, Wisbech.
"Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fire and Rescue were quickly on the scene and brought the fire under control.
"Did you witness anything? Please call 101 and quote incident 471 of 25/06/2019 #2445"
Photos: Bernie Smith/Facebook/Fenland Police
