Multi-agency task group launched to help protect heritage buildings from fire

A new taskforce has been set up to help protect Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage buildings from arson and accidental fires. 

The task group brings together a range of partners including the city council, the fire service and police. 

It will identify at-risk buildings and work with landlords, providing advice and guidance, to ensure correct protective measures are being taken. 

That will include ensuring landlords are meeting their legal responsibilities to heritage buildings – and, if necessary, officers will consider using enforcement measures like S215 and Planning Enforcement Notices. 

Council and police officers will be deployed in known anti-social behaviour hotspot areas where heritage buildings are felt to be at potential risk. 

The task group will also build on the work of a recently-launched campaign – called Weed Them out – to tackle illegal cannabis grows in the city. 

The move comes after a number of fires in heritage buildings, including The Leopard Hotel and the Grade-II listed former Wade pottery factory, both in Burslem. There has also been a fire at Longton’s Crown hotel – opposite the former Crown Works pottery site - and another at the town’s Strand, which closed part of the busy road for several hours. 

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The council is committed to safeguarding our heritage buildings.  

“That includes working with private landlords to ensure their buildings are safe and secure – and taking action where necessary. 

“We have already seen the effect that targeted, joined-up working can make through campaigns like Weed Them Out. 

“This group will act at pace, and at the end of a period of review we will also identify any further opportunities to help protect our heritage

buildings, which are part of the fabric, history and character of the city.”  

Ian Read, Head of Prevent and Protect at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This initiative is going to help us work collaboratively with partners in the city to minimise the risk of both accidental and deliberate fires in at-risk locations. 

“These incidents can have a significant impact on local life, the environment and emergency resources, and taking steps to prevent fires in the first place is key in making sure we can keep local communities safe across Stoke-on-Trent.” 

Prevent and Problem Solving Inspector James Howard, from Staffordshire Police, said: “This is another example of the proactive work we’re undertaking with local partners to address the concerns of local people and businesses in Stoke-on-Trent. 

“We’re continuing to carry out visible, proactive patrols in hotspot locations for anti-social behaviour and other crime as part of our problem solving policing approach, making sure officers are in the right place at the right time to tackle crime effectively and to keep people safe.”