Hangar set for 'sensitive demolition' after fire

A Grade II listed building is set to be "sensitively demolished" following a devastating blaze that took the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.

Bicester Motion has confirmed that Hangar 79 is set for demolition due to significant fire damage sustained on 15 May, when firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died along with father-of-two Dave Chester, 57.

It comes after a discussion with Historic England, Cherwell District Council and teams of expert health and safety, environmental and structural professionals, which all agreed the need to demolish the remaining structure.

The process is due to begin on 6 August for about four months.

The district council has issued a demolition notice and a specialist contractor has been selected based upon their experience and capability to sensitively carry out these works to ensure minimal disruption.

Historic England previously said the famous airfield was "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in Britain.

Last month police, fire and Health and Safety Executive investigation work at the scene concluded.

A funeral procession for Mr Sadler will take place on Thursday in Bicester.

Ms Logan was also honoured with a procession in the town on 14 June and the funeral for Mr Chester took place in Tackley, on 8 July.

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