Derelict housedeliberatelyset alight

A MALICOUS fire at a derelict property on Longstone Street has again sparked calls for the demolition of the empty houses in the area.

Fire crews battled flames at a semi detached property during the early hours of last Thursday March 24. This follows a similar incident a year ago when one of the derelict properties was also set alight. Alderman Ivan Davis at that time called for the properties to be demolished.

Mr Davis said that he has been continuously telling officials of the need for the properties to “demolished before someone is killed or seriously injured”.

“These dwellings are a complete and total eyesore on a main thoroughfare into Lisburn, which will have to be demolished” he said.

He added: “It is totally unacceptable for local residents to have to endure and put up with this continual worry.”

A spokesperson for the Fire Service said the fire was reported at 4.25am and two Fire Appliances from Lisburn Station attended alonog with one from Springfield Fire Station.

They said the cause of the fire is being treated as deliberate and that Building Control from Lisburn City Council had been informed about the fire because of the damage caused to the building.

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