ARSONISTS are believed to be responsible for setting alight a grade two listed building (pictured), causing £150,000 damage.

The fire, at Enfield Wharf House, off Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, ripped through the ground floor and first and second floors and the roof.

Firefighters from Accrington and Blackburn who managed to put it out described the blaze, which occurred at 10.15pm on Sunday, as suspicious.

It was initially believed that the damage to the building, which is owned by British Waterways, was £90,000 but insurance assessors have now put the figure at £150,000.

Community development officer for British Waterways, Jimmy Swindles said: "The property had been lying empty for a while but there were a number of ideas to refurbish it.

"We were trying to get someone in there to revitalise the area and brighten the stretch up.

"Our original intention was to use it as a community centre but there was also an idea to convert it into an office.

"We will now have to make to building safe and review how we are going to develop it. Hopefully we will eventually be able to get back on track and there are a number of options open."

Ian Leaver, of the Clayton-le-Moors Civic Society said: "It is a vital piece of Clayton's history.

"It is very sad that someone could have done this because there was a lot of consultation going on as to its use and refurbishment and this will delay the work."

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