Arsonists set fire to an historic listed Walsall church building which has been left vacant for more than a decade. The blaze leaves the site’s possible restoration in jeopardy.
Twenty-five firefighters were called to a blaze at Mellish Road Methodist Church in the early hours today following reports of an arson attack. The church, at the corner of Butts Road and Mellish Road traffic island, has been a constant target for vandals. But firefighters say the church, which was already unsafe, is now in a “dangerous” state.
Much of the roof has been burned off and the inside has suffered extensive fire damage. Structural engineers from Walsall Council were today on-site to establish the building’s safety.
Four pumps from Walsall, Aldridge and Bloxwich attended the scene using breathing apparatus and one hydraulic platform.
It took at least an hour to get the blaze under control but firefighters were still on the scene later this morning.
Walsall acting watch commander Paul Jones said they were treating it as suspected arson. “The church was broken into and they have set fire to something inside,” he said.
“The church was already in a dangerous condition and is even worse now.”
The church is owned by a private firm which Walsall Council has been working with in a bid to get it restored or partly saved in any future development.
The council’s cabinet has also given delegated powers to its own officers to use a compulsory purchase order to get the church back into use. The church has been unused since problems with subsidence led to it being sold off. Since then, residents have been campaigning for action to revive it.
7 Comments
i wonder if it will be demolished and a temple built in its place
why dont they just knock it down
It’s in such a bad state or repair now its just an eyesore
And it’s very dangerous condition.
Yes it will be a shame as it is such a wonderful building.
i agree with kat aswell its like an open target the longer the council drags its heels on what to do with it the more times it will be targeted till eventually it will just collapse
Why doesn’t some entrepeneur who has made alot of money since leaving Walsall just offer some dough and get it refurbished?
Why is it taking Walsall Council so long to sort this out ? I would hate to be in the chamber when this council has to take a decision which needs prompt action !!!
Perhaps the answer is to demolish the church and build something worth seeing or that will be used, like a community building, another church, mosque or even temple. Just a thought !!!
How very convenient that this should happen to another listed building!!!!
It has stood empty for so long and nothing has ever happed before so why now???
It seems we have another case of Shannon’s Mill…………..
Walsall will have no history or heritage soon!!!!
why demolish it ? it will only cause a new housing estate or a temple like paul said
Yes Suzanne I agree - how many Walsallonians or Cllrs really care though ? That is what concerns me more than anything !!!