Calls for ‘immediate commitment’ to rebuild fire-ravaged Fairfield Centre

A massive blaze – thought to have been sparked by maintenance work on it’s roof – tore through the community building on Monday afternoon.

Photos and videos showed thick black clouds of smoke billowing from the building - home to dozens of activity groups - as firefighters battled to contain the inferno.

It is understood that the building’s squash courts were completely destroyed.

On Monday a spokesman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said crews were first alerted to the blaze at 3.30pm with five fire engines attending the scene – and ‘all persons were accounted for’.

However since then they have confirmed an investigation found the fire was accidental – with the most probable cause being ‘hot works’ taking place on the roof of the property.

It is understood that, though smoke-damaged, the rest of the building – including its sports hall, community rooms and children’s centre – are still usable due to the quick action of the fire service.

As the hugely well-used structure burned on Monday local councillors and members of the public expressed their horror over the incident – with many fearing it had been completely destroyed.

However with the Derbyshire County Council-owned centre – described as ‘not fit for purpose’ – left gutted by smoke local politicians, members of the public and High Peak MP Robert Largan are calling for it to be replaced immediately.

Fiona Sloman, councillor for Stone Bench ward where the centre was based, is calling on Derbyshire County Council to provide a new facility which is ‘fit for purpose’.

She said: “To see flames tear through such a precious and well-beloved community asset is nothing short of heartbreaking.”

“Without doubt it's been a day of tremendous sadness and upset.

“This is a big loss because it does so much for the community - not just in terms of groups but also things like council surgeries.

“The community is in shock about this - so much has happened lately with Covid-19 and now this stabbing in Fairfield.

“I would like to see a consultation with the community to make sure it is replaced as soon as possible.

“We don’t want to see this land sold off and turned into something else.

“We will do all that we can to demand that the community is engaged throughout the entire process to ensure that the rebuilding efforts have the full support of and reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of Fairfield.”

Caitlin Bisknell, former borough and county councillor for Fairfield and chair of governors at Fairfield Endowed Junior School, said: "As the dust settles on the charred ashes of Fairfield Community Centre after Monday’s fire we must look to the future – now more than ever Fairfield needs and deserves its community centre.

"I know that Fairfield is a strong, resilient community and we will do everything we can to ensure that the centre rises like a phoenix like from the ashes.

"We must turn this terrible event into an opportunity to rebuild the centre fit not just for the 21st century - but a Covid-19 world.

"We need an immediate commitment from DCC that the building will be rebuilt – and that our community will have a say in its rebuilding and refurbishment."

Former High Peak MP and Whaley Bridge councillor Ruth George said she was ‘gutted’ about the fire.

She said: “Thank you so much to all the fire crews who tried so hard to save it.

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“I loved visiting the youth group when it was running.

“Such a happy place and brilliant community facility - I’m so sorry for everyone who needs and uses it. Fairfield needs a community centre.”

Another High Peak councillor Linda Grooby said: “This is such a tragedy for our residents. We will work together to rebuild it better than ever”.

Speaking about the fire High Peak MP Robert Largan described it as ‘awful news’.

He said: “The community centre is at the heart of Fairfield and a vital asset for local people – before lockdown I regularly held help and advice surgeries there.

“I want to thank the firefighters and emergency services for their efforts to try and save the building.

“We must rebuild the Fairfield Centre even better than before - I’ll work with anyone and everyone to get this done and get Fairfield a community centre once again."

Reacting to the news on Facebook Ascension Villalba, the principal of an English language school in Madrid, Spain, whose students attend summer courses at the centre described the blaze as ‘very sad’.

She wrote: “Spanish students use this centre in our summer courses in Buxton.

“This year due to Covid-19 we could not go.

“We are deeply sorry and utterly heartbroken”.

A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have been at the site today to assess what damage has been caused by the fire and will get a full report shortly.

"When we have this we will be in a better position to decide what steps need to be taken next.”

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