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Derelict Pub Burns: Council Demands Answers
28 Apr
Summary
- Fire severely damaged a derelict three-storey pub empty for 10 years.
- The blaze is believed to have started deliberately on the first floor.
- Council calls for review of vacant community property management.
A fire severely damaged the three-storey Rockingham Arms, a derelict pub on Studfall Avenue in Corby, on Friday evening. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the blaze around 20:00 BST. Fire officials believe the fire originated on the first floor and extended to the roof, with deliberate ignition being the most likely cause.
Corby Town Council leader Simon Rielly described the incident as "deeply concerning" and "sadly not surprising," highlighting that the building has been vacant for 10 years. He emphasized the community's long-standing desire for the pub to be reopened and brought back into use.
This fire has prompted calls for a review into how long-term vacant community properties are managed and protected. Rielly stressed the need for clear answers, accountability, and a stronger approach to safeguarding buildings that hold significance for local residents. He also noted a similar fire at another Corby venue, the Talisman, in less than two years.
Lee Barron, the MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, called the fire "shocking" and expressed his previous concerns regarding the site's security. He is organizing a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to explore immediate and long-term actions concerning such vacant properties.