School fire evacuees allowed home

The blaze re-ignited on Monday morning

People evacuated from about 30 houses after a disused school was damaged by fire have been allowed back home.

They had been removed as a precaution after it was confirmed that asbestos was in the roof of the former Willowtown Primary School in Ebbw Vale.

Roads were closed and residents were told to stay indoors by police when the initial fire broke out on Sunday night.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately.

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent Council said evacuees were allowed back to their homes on Monday afternoon.

Gwent Police said the fire was brought under control at about 1215 BST on Monday but firefighters remained on the site to ensure it did not reignite after doing so twice.

There was a real sense of loss in the community Gary Howells

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said it was the smoke from the fire that had caused concern and led to homes in Brynheulog Road, Letchworth Road and Fairview Road being evacuated on Monday morning as a precaution.

The council set up Ebbw Vale sports centre as a care centre for evacuees but said most had gone to stay with friends and family.

Gwent Police had also advised people living in the vicinity of the school to remain in doors and keep their windows and doors closed.

Brynheulog Road, Letchworth Road and Fairview Road were closed to traffic, police said.

Environmental impact

A council spokeswoman said a company specialising in dealing with asbestos was advising on how to minimise the environmental impact of the fire.

Fire crews were called to the site at 2045 BST on Sunday and some houses nearby were evacuated at that time, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

At its height, around 75 firefighters were tackling the blaze.

The initial blaze was out by about 0300 BST on Monday. But the fire reignited at 0920 BST and around 35 firefighters were called to the scene.

Fire crews were first called to the blaze on Sunday evening

The new Willowtown Primary School, which is next door to the old school, had opened as usual on Monday morning but was closed for the remainder of the day on the advice of the council's health and safety officer.

It is not yet known how the fire started but police believe it was deliberate.

There are appeals for witnesses to come forward, especially those who may have seen anything suspicious at about 2100 BST on Sunday.

Local resident Gary Howells said people were upset because generations of people had been pupils of the old school, including his wife and children.

"There was a real sense of loss in the community," he said.

"Police asked residents on Sunday night to close all windows and doors and stay inside as there was asbestos in the building causing a threat to anyone inhaling fumes," he added.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious to call them on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.