A FIRE that destroyed a clubhouse roof at an old football ground in Rossendale is being treated as arson.

The blaze came just hours after plans for a new music and boxing festival were announced for the site in Manchester Road, Ewood Bridge, Haslingden.

The former home of Haslingden FC and Stand Athletic FC was set alight at around 6pm on Monday night.

Fire chiefs said youths had set fire to a container next to the clubhouse which then spread into the building.

It caused ‘severe’ damage to the disused unit and most of the roof has been removed.

Twenty firefighters, four of whom had to enter the building using breathing apparatus, spent three hours at the scene using four pumps to tackle the flames.

Stephen Sourbutts, one of the organisers of the proposed August festival, said the fire would not dampen his spirits.

“It’s obviously not great to look at but it was always our intention to cordon that area off anyway because it was unsafe and isn’t part of our plans.

“We have permission from the landowner to use the site and are awaiting a premises licence from the council.

“Our event will be held mainly on the actual football pitch, so as long as everyone is happy, it will go ahead and the fire won’t make a difference.”

Rawtenstall Fire Station watch manager Shaun Naughton pleaded with parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts during the summer.

He said: “A container had been set on fire next to the main building and this had spread quickly.

"The children who started this fire may not have intended to set fire to the building but this has happened.

“Setting fire to any item near to a building including a wheelie bin can have disastrous consequences, especially if people are in the building.”

Lancashire police said they are treating the blaze as suspicious and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.