Derelict pub fire not surprising, says councillor

A fire that has severely damaged a three-storey derelict pub was "not surprising", a council leader has said.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Rockingham Arms on Studfall Avenue, Corby, at about 20:00 BST on Friday.

Simon Rielly, the leader of Corby Town Council, said the blaze was "deeply concerning" as the building had stood empty for 10 years despite "repeated calls from the community to see it reopened and brought back into use".

The owner of the building has been approached for comment.

The fire service said it believed the blaze started on the first floor and spread to the roof.

"The most likely cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate," it added.

The service said the incident has been handed to Northamptonshire Police "who are maintaining a scene guard, and the fire investigation remains ongoing as they wait for a structural engineer".

Rielly said: "The fire at the Rockingham Arms is deeply concerning and, for many residents, sadly not surprising.

"This incident raises serious and unavoidable questions."

He said in less than two years, the the Talisman in Corby, Northamptonshire, had been lost to fire.

"It points to a wider issue around empty buildings being left vulnerable.

"Residents are rightly asking why buildings like the Rockingham Arms are allowed to sit empty for so long, what protections were in place, and whether every opportunity was taken to bring them back into community use."

"There must now be clear answers, accountability, and a stronger approach to protecting buildings that matter to local people."

The council said it was calling for a full review into how long-term vacant community properties were managed and safeguarded to ensure further losses could be prevented.

Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said the fire was "shocking".

He said he had previously written to the police and North Northamptonshire Council about securing the site and had attempted to make contact with the owner without success.

"It's been derelict and has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour for too long and Friday's serious incident is the final straw.

"I am now organising a round table to bring together accountable stakeholders to explore what actions can be taken in the immediate and long-term future."

Northamptonshire Police said the safety of the building was not a matter for the force.

North Northamptonshire Council has been approached for comment.

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