An investigation has begun into a ‘significant’ fire, which broke out at a bank in Loughborough yesterday.
The town’s HSBC bank was ablaze yesterday (Wednesday, March 15), with flames spreading to the neighbouring Town Hall.
News of the fire began to emerge on social media at around 3pm, with people sharing footage of flames rising from the roof of the building, in Market Place.
Although no-one was hurt, the fire caused significant disruption, with roads closed and people urged to avoid the area.
A show which was due to take place at the Town Hall last night was cancelled, and there will be a reduced market in the town today it has been revealed.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze has begun, said a spokesman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, which has been praised for its ‘amazing response.’
“This was a significant fire but importantly no-one has been hurt,” said Councillor Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, which owns the Town Hall.
“I would like to thank Leicestershire Fire and Rescue for their amazing response and preventing this fire from being even more devastating.
“We have not yet been able to access Loughborough Town Hall, so it is difficult to assess the damage, but we will update residents as soon as we can.
“We know how important the town hall is to Loughborough and its heritage.
“Once again, our thanks go to the fire service for their prompt actions and also to the police for their support on the ground.”
Loughborough MP Jane Hunt added her thanks to the emergency services.
“Yesterday, I was very sad to hear of the fire in the centre of Loughborough, but relieved that no one was hurt,” she said in a tweet.
“Thank you very much to the emergency services and to the council who responded so well to the incident and managed to contain the fire and keep everyone safe.”
