A fire, believed to be arson, broke out at the derelict Old Roan pub in Aintree, prompting a response from fire crews.
Two fire trucks went to the three-story building and found the fire on the first floor. Firefighters used a hose to put out the flames, ensuring it was completely out before they left the pub around 7:30 PM. Merseyside Fire & Rescue said the fire seemed deliberate, but they aren’t investigating further. The ECHO asked Merseyside Police for a comment too.
The Old Roan, a local landmark, has been closed for ten years and has been falling apart since 2013. Last October, the ECHO reported that it would be torn down and replaced with new homes.
Sefton Council approved plans for housing, meaning the pub will be demolished soon. The new building will have 26 apartments, including eleven one-bedroom units and fifteen two-bedroom units.
According to a heritage statement, the site is in bad shape and has been empty for a decade. The statement explained that they couldn’t find any other way to use it as reopening the pub wasn’t realistic due to the building being too damaged for anything else.