Work starts on repairing fire-damaged Fairfield Centre

Photos show a large scaffold structure surrounding the building - the scene of a massive blaze understood to have been sparked by maintenance repairs to its roof.

Though the building’s squash courts and link corridor were completely destroyed, the rest of the building – including its sports hall, community rooms and children’s centre – are still usable.

A county council spokesperson said the scaffolding had been erected as part of the preparation work to fully assess the damage.

She added: “Once we have a clearer picture of the work that needs doing we’ll be in a better position to decide what steps need to be taken next.”

Speaking about the repairs Lia Roos, chair of Residents of Fairfield Association, described rebuilding the squash courts as ‘irrelevant’ as very few local people used them.

Lia told how the parts of the county council-owned building still used by community groups - such as the adult education centre - were still intact.

She said: “If they’re going to re-do the squash courts hopefully they’ll provide access to Fairfield Association at a discounted price.

“We’ve all got great memories of Fairfield Centre when it was a community centre but now it’s just a building used by Derbyshire County Council.”

Immediately after the fire councillors, members of the public and High Peak MP Robert Largan called for the centre - described as ‘not fit for purpose’ – to be completely rebuilt.

Caitlin Bisknell, former borough and county councillor for Fairfield, said an ‘immediate commitment’ was needed that the council would rebuild the centre.

She said: “Now more than ever Fairfield needs and deserves its community centre.”

And Fiona Sloman, councillor for Stone Bench ward where the centre is based, called for ‘a consultation with the community to make sure it is replaced as soon as possible’.

However, casting doubt on the chances of a new centre, Lia added: “We’re living in difficult times - why would the council rebuild the entire centre when only the squash courts are affected?”

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