A building considered to be one of Nottingham's most treasured heritage assets has gone up in flames. Eye witnesses reported seeing numerous fire engines attending the incident as flames burst from the building.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service told Nottinghamshire Live it sent two engines from Stockhill, one from Arnold and Highfields, another from Stapleford as well as the command unit from Mansfield and aerial ladder platform from London Road to the blaze at the Vedonis building in the Basford Lane Industrial Estate.
The incident was first reported at 5.53pm on Saturday, June 18 and lasted a number of hours into the evening until around 9.30pm. An eyewitness, Sean, says: "I saw flames rising and spreading. I saw around two fire engines with quite a few firefighters putting out the fire."
Read more: Major plan for old church where Ibuprofen discovered after Lady Bay nursery closure
The Vedonis building, once used in the manufacturing of lace clothing including ladies' underwear, is on the Nottingham Local List. This list ensures protection of local heritage buildings not yet added to Historic England's listings.
Councillor Linda Woodings, portfolio holder for housing and heritage who represents Basford, said: "A second tragedy at Bar Lane Industrial Estate, Basford. The historic Vedonis building up in flames.
"Just over one year on from 70 mature trees being hacked down by the site owner. They have to be replaced. But I really hope the building can be saved. It's on the Nottingham Local List.
"If anyone has CCTV, Ring Doorbell footage or Dashcam footage of suspicious behaviour near the Vedonis factory, Basford, Nottingham please contact Nottinghamshire Police. Thanks to Notts Fire and the heavy rain for putting out the fire."
Pictures from the scene show the building severely damaged inside. It was cordoned off while firefighters attended.
Speaking of the incident Stapleford Fire Station added: "Crews from across Nottinghamshire were called to a report of a derelict building fire. Firefighters worked really hard to deal with the blaze using a range of equipment.
"We are now back at our own station, cleaning our kit and making sure we are ready for the next one."
