Oxford and Oxfordshire news, sport and information updated throughout the day

Council blamed over fire safety

From the archive, first published Tuesday 8th Apr 2003.

A hall management committee has accused Oxford City Council of delaying safety measures which could have prevented an arson attack causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Headington Community Centre in Gladstone Road was involved in a fire on Sunday after an object was forced through the letterbox and set alight. A total of £3,000 damage was caused.

Tanya Field, of Headington Community Association, which manages the hall, said the city council had first been asked in November 2001 to put in a sealed metal letterbox to prevent burning objects falling on to the floor. She claimed the council, which owns the building, had agreed, but never fitted the box.

She said the Cherry Tree Pre-School had been unable to hold sessions.

Oxford City Council's neighbourhood renewal business manager Val Johnson said: "The council's insurance assessor will be on site today."

Archive Home