Derelict Sutton Bridge hotel 'could be destroyed' if arson attacks continue, fire chief warns

An eyesore landmark has become a very dangerous hazard - with fire crews warning that the building could be lost if issues with arson attacks continue.

In recent weeks, fires have been reported at the Bridge Hotel in Sutton Bridge - with villagers worried that there’s a risk of someone being killed or seriously injured before long.

Sean Compton, Deputy Divisional Commander at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “This derelict building has been subject to anti-social behaviour including deliberate firesetting in recent months.

“It’s really important that parents keep young people away from it.

“There are a number of serious hazards on this site and as such, although we would always attend reported fires in this building, our firefighting tactics would prioritise the safety of responding crews, along with anybody in the building.

“These tactics would potentially mean that the building itself may be lost.

“The owners are aware of this and the ongoing issues and we continue to work with them, the police and district council to find ways to keep this site safer.”

The Lynn News’ sister paper, the Spalding Guardian, has been told that in one recent incident at the site, a boy fell through the floorboards inside the derelict landmark and a girl suffered a cut head.

District councillor Michael Booth is passing his concerns on to the local authority - and he says he’s keen to avoid a tragic incident.

He said: “That’s the last thing we want.

“The building is not in a state that it will fall down but we don’t want people inside who are going to get hurt.

“It’s a big concern of mine when people can get in and do that. You wonder if anybody will get trapped or anything like that.”

In 2016 a major fire ripped through the hotel and caused serious damage to the building.

A sign placed on the railings by Lincolnshire Police states: “Do not attempt entry to this property. Police are monitoring this site.”

Mr Booth is part of a task force of councillors who are looking into how to tackle ‘untidy sites’ in the South Holland district and the state of the Bridge Hotel is one of the matters regularly raised.

He said that he is aware of interest from developers in purchasing the site - which is a prominent location at the gateway to Lincolnshire.

However, the picture is complicated by the fact the owner has died and the building is said to be part of the probate process to determine the future of his estate, with his wife said to live in Thailand.

Mr Booth said the future of the building has been up in the air for ‘too long’, adding: “Whatever happens now, we want that eyesore dealt with.

“We have got a lot of them around the district. There is some interest. It would be lovely to find out who actually owns it so we can point developers in the right direction.”