New fears after fire at 'death trap' site (From Barry And District News)

New fears after fire at 'death trap' site

A DERELICT former ambulance building - dubbed a'death trap' by MP John Smith and Councillor Richard Bertin just weeks ago - caused further concern when a fire started on the premises.

Firefighters were called to the building on Bassett Street off Holton Road at 11.40 am on Thursday, February 17.

One firefighter wore breathing apparatus and used a hose reel to extinguish the fire, which involved a quantity of refuse in the premises.

The MP called for the building to be made safe three weeks ago, saying "the building could collapse and kill someone".

He was assured by the Welsh Ambulance Service that the building would be made safe.

Mr Smith said: "We predicted that something like a fire would happen on site. Thankfully no-one was injured this time.

"The Ambulance Authority have ensured us that an urgent site inspection will be taking place. We will be asking them to carry it out as a matter of urgency."

Vale of Glamorgan Councillor Richard Bertin said: "Something needs to be done fast. It is an accident waiting to happen.

"One of the main reasons we looked at the building was the complaints from residents.

"The trust need to sort out the building before someone gets killed."

Three weeks ago the Welsh Ambulance service said "the building is basically secure," and added that they would "consider the most appropriate way of dealing with it".

The building is no longer used by the Ambulance Service, which now operates from a new station built on Ty Verlon Trading Estate off Cardiff Road.