Deliberate fire started outside former swimming baths in Crewe

By Ryan Parker

19th Apr 2022 | Local News

A fire was put out by Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service in Crewe during the Easter weekend - believed to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters attended reports of a small fire at the former Flag Lane swimming baths, Crewe on Saturday (April 16).

Two fire engines from Crewe attended the scene that was reported to Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service at 3:05pm.

Crews extinguished a small fire involving rubbish outside the vacant building using water backpacks.

Firefighters then undertook an inspection of the building itself to check it was secure.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service firefighters checked that the building was secure (28 Days Later).

Flag Lane swimming baths first opened in 1937.

The listed building closed in 2016 when a new swimming pool for Crewe opened up at Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

In January, plans were submitted by the Local Always Ahead Charity to regenerate the derelict building.

Under these plans, the venue would include shop units, a restaurant, a café, a multi-purpose hall, heritage galleries and youth spaces.

On the planning application, the proposal reads: "Redevelopment of Flag Lane Baths, Crewe into a flagship Community Centre for the town."

Cheshire Constabulary has requested for CCTV to be installed that would cover the outside and inside of the premises. (Baily Garner/Always Ahead Charity).

Due to the risk of arson, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, Cheshire Constabulary has requested for CCTV to be installed that would cover the outside and inside of the premises.

In a response posted on the Cheshire East Council planning portal, Mark Cotton, Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO), said: "The whole site requires a CCTV system.

"This should be monitored during non-operational hours and allow talk through in order that persons committing offences on the open space can be advised and warned accordingly, that they are being monitored and potentially police attendance has been summoned."

Mr Cotton also raised concerns about the wooden structures proposed, for the regeneration of the building. This needed to be 'treated to reduce the ability of fire damage'.

A CGI of what the former main bath area will look like (Baily Garner/Always Ahead Charity).

According to the plans, the former main swimming pool area would be used as a community stage and cinema.

The exterior of the building would also be refurbished. All doors, windows and rooflights would be replaced on a 'like for like basis'.

Cheshire Constabulary believe that an 'integrated access control system' to keep all doors secured from potential break-ins should be added to the plans.

The planning application for the redevelopment of Flag Lane swimming baths can be viewed by searching for reference number 21/6400N on the Cheshire East Council website planning portal.

For more fire incident updates in the local area click HERE.