THE arson investigation into the blaze that ravaged Accrington’s iconic Conservative Club has been closed without those responsible being brought to justice.


Detectives have revealed they have decided to close the investigation into fire, which led to demolition of the Grade II listed building in Cannon Street in May.

Firefighters concluded the blaze had been started deliberately but officers said a lack of evidence meant they had nowhere else to turn.


Community leaders said they were disappointed those responsible would not be brought before the courts.


County Cllr Bernard Dawson, who represents Accrington South on Lancashire County Council, said: “It was a great shame that the perpetrators of the fire haven’t been caught and an even bigger shame that Accrington is without one of its most iconic buildings because of them.


“I’m not happy the investigation is over because I thought we would at least know something by now.”


Cllr Mohammad Ayub, a Hyndburn councillor, said: “I am very disappointed that no arrests have been made and we are still no closer to finding out who burned the club to ground.


“The arsonists have taken something extremely valuable away from the town and it’s a disgrace that after three months we still have nothing to go on.
“The remains of the club really is an eyesore.”


Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Council leader and ex-firefighter, said: “Unfortunately these cases are very hard to solve and unless you’ve got an eyewitness, catching the criminals is difficult.


“I’m sure the police tried their best to find evidence and whoever did it, but sadly they’ve drawn a blank.”


Cllr Tony Dobson, opposition group leader, said: “It is obviously very disappointing that there’s been no convictions.


“We have got a lot of criminal activity in Hyndburn at the moment and police do seem to be struggling to get a conviction or even get things to the courts.”


The club, formerly the biggest Conservative Club in the north west, was left in a dangerous condition after burning for almost 24 hours on May 18.


More than 50 firefighters were called from across the county to tackle the flames.


The historic club, which opened in 1891, used to attract a crowd of around 1,000 people from all over the north west and boasted the best sprung dancefloor in the North.


It was converted into a nightclub in the 1990s but closed in 2003 after a customer was killed outside.


Fire investigators said the blaze had to have been started deliberately after all utilities had been cut off at the building.


A police spokesman said: “Officers were treating the fire as arson on the recommendation of the fire and rescue service who said the cause was suspicious.


“Following a thorough and detailed investigation, it was found that there was no evidence to support a criminal prosecution and our enquiries have now concluded.”


Calls have now been made for the site, owned by Ifakharul Bhatti of Woodgreen Developments Ltd based in Nelson, to be redeveloped.


Cllr Dawson said: “I don’t mind whether it’s used as housing or another club, just as long as it can be something that can benefit the town again.”


Cllr Ayub said: “I don’t know what plans are in the pipeline for the land but I would like to see something happen sooner rather than later.”


Cllr Parkinson said: “It’s up to the landowner what’s to be done with the land, but I do look forward to seeing planning applications coming forward.”


Cllr Dobson said: “Turning the land into a car park is a good idea.”


“I think that it would be one way of bringing something we need in Accrington into the town and would tidy up a street that has been an eyesore for a long time.”


No one from Woodgreen Developments was available for comment.