Derelict factory is target for arsonists (From Gazette Series)

Derelict factory is target for arsonists

FLAMES engulfed a large section of a derelict factory at the former Bymacks site in Long Street, Dursley, on Wednesday night.

A large single-storey unit was set on fire around 8.50pm and the fire brigade was in attendance soon afterwards.

Two appliances from Dursley, as well as one from Wotton-under-Edge, one from Stroud, one from Nailsworth and an aerial appliance from Cheltenham, were summoned.

Friefighters found that part of the derelict building was well ablaze and they were detained for around an hour before it was put out.

Severe damage was caused to the building and a large section of the roof fell in.

The site suffered numerous arson attacks last year, with one building in particular the target for the vandals. This led to calls for them to be dcemolished.

The unit set ablaze this week is on the opposite side of the site road from the one that was attacked regularly last summer.

In November Stroud District Council agreed to allow a 146-home development to be built on the site subject to the developer, Crest Nicholson, agreeing to certain conditions.

But no progress has been made as to when the derelict buildings will be come down.