Blaze in Old Bingo Hall Not Found to be Suspicious

by Hollie Sanders

The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service has to try to stem a blazing fire that broke out in the old Walkers bingo hall on Green Lane. It took as many as thirty fire fighters to try to stop the fire after it broke out underneath the stage and orchestra pit in the building.

They said that the cause of the blaze in the in the Grade II Listed building was not at all suspicious, but the damage to the building is extensive. The fire crew found it very difficult to control the blaze and because the building resembles a rabbit warren it was difficult to allow men inside as the building was filled with thick smoke. The blaze found its way through the entire building and flames were even coming out through the roof.

It saddens me when these beautiful old bingo halls are left unused and go to wrack and ruin, one can understand why the bingo operator had to close down, but why does the local council not do something about putting the building to good use. Apparently the Derby New Theatre group did try to buy the building after it closed as a bingo hall but was unsuccessful in their bid, this is such a pity because it seems that now the building is of no use to anyone.