By Locals call for action after another fire at former Grimsby art college
Residents of Grimsby are once again calling for action after the former Art College on Eleanor saw yet another fire yesterday evening.
Humberside Police and four fire crews from Humberside Fire and Rescue attended the blaze yesterday evening at roughly 3:30 pm.
The former college, known as Wintringham Grammar School, opened in 1895 and served the community for many years.
Now, it stands derelict as years of vandalism and arson have taken their toll on the building, leaving many locals concerned for its future.
Following this most recent fire, many locals have called for action as the future of the building and its stability hangs in the balance.
One local said: “Too many times has this been on fire, how long before someone gets hurt? Needs pulling down.”
Another added: “Either put something into it and rebuild or just flatten it as it will go on and on until someone gets seriously hurt.”
Some feel that the building could be saved and renovated as the former college is a listed building: “The owners should be forced to renovate it or rebuild it to its former glory of its knocked down, owners of large buildings like this pay someone a small sum of money to start a fire so the building becomes unstable and has to be torn down.”
Others feel that the building should just be demolished due to the years of damage: “Surely there is nothing else inside there to burn just pull it down and build something for young people round that area.”
Eleanor Street closed for nearly a month following another arson attack in June, one lane still remains closed causing traffic disruption for those approaching from Ellis Way.
Speaking last month, a NELC spokeswoman said talks were continuing between the council, owners, Historic England “and other relevant parties to determine the building’s long-term future.”
She added: “It is hoped that the best possible outcome can be reached for all parties, and importantly for the local community.
“The owners and the Council would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their patience. All involved appreciate the negative impact on them of having to live near a structure which has been systematically targeted by anti-social behaviour, and subject to fires and vandalism.”
What do you think should happed to the former art college? Let us know in the comments.
