A SUSPECTED arson attack behind a parade of shops in Burnley has left nearby traders counting the cost as the building is demolished.

Fire ripped through the building, which contained Union Cabs and the Delicious Pizzas takeaway, at the corner of Plumbe Street and Temple Street on Wednesday afternoon, with smoke being witnessed as far away as Sabden, Fence and Accrington.

Demolition crews were preparing to pull the building down last night after building inspectors ruled that the structure was unsafe.

But yesterday traders were left surveying the damage caused by the blaze, which is now thought to have been started behind the cab firm and required more than 20 firefighters to bring under control.

Pam Marshall, who owns New Way Dry Cleaners, next door to the takeaway in Temple Street, said the incident could have been more catastrophic.

She said: “We were lucky because if the flames had got through here then we’ve got chemicals which are used in the dry cleaning process - the whole place could have gone up.”

Water damage, as firefighters tried to prevent the fire from spreading, has affected the dry cleaners and some of the stock was slightly affected by smoke.

Staff were forced to close early as the takeaway was tackled by demolition contractors.

Khalid Mahmood, who runs Union Cabs, two doors away from the takeaway, thanked customers who alerted his firm to the blaze.

His business has been left without premises now but he is still operating a telephone booking service via 01282 454966 or 458928.

The row also contains a laundrette and Skybirds letting agency. Two youths have been quizzed over the blaze.