By Eleanor Street still closed after devastating Art College fire
Eleanor Street in Grimsby is still closed this morning following a large fire on Sunday evening at the abandoned Grimsby Art College.
Roughly 30 firefighters and officers from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire as Eleanor Street closed to traffic.
The fire service attended with five appliances and an hydraulic platform after the fire started shortly after 5pm on Sunday 19 June.
The abandoned building is a hotspot for youths who are determined to explore despite the high risk of danger.
In March, officers were called to the college after two children had become trapped following a floor collapsing on top of them, prompting many residents living near the building to question whether it should be demolished to prevent further damage or injuries.
The college was first opened in 1895 and at the time was called Grimsby Higher Grade School or Grimsby Municipal College.
The building was later renamed Wintringham Grammar School after local timber merchant and former Grimsby Mayor, John Wintringham.
In the 1970s it became Grimsby Art College but after the college moved it was believed the building would be turned into apartments.
In a recent update on the fire, Humberside Police confirmed three juveniles have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a foot chase.
North East Lincolnshire Council have issued an update on the closure, as they revealed that the blaze has caused further damage to the structure and officials want to ensure there is no risk of parts of the building falling.
Specialist engineers will determine this and until they have made a full assessment, the road between Hainton Square and Heneage Road will remain completely closed, along with the northern footpath – directly outside the building.
The footpath on the other side of the road will remain open. This will allow access to the properties opposite the art college. However, there will be no access for vehicles with provision made for residents to park on Heneage Road. Any current parking restrictions and enforcement in that area will be lifted for the time being.
Meanwhile, diversion signs will be set up to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible around the area.
A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “As we work with the emergency services teams at the scene, we are in no doubt of the immediate priority to ensure the safety of residents, passers-by and motorists. It is with this in mind that the immediate road and pathway must remain shut until a thorough risk assessment has taken place.”
