A blaze that broke out at an old and disused pavilion is believed to have been started deliberately.
Firefighters were called to Swanscombe Pavilion at Broomfield Recreation Ground at about 3.40pm on Saturday (April 4).
A fire broke out at the Swanscombe Pav in Broomfield Recreation Ground. Picture: Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents’ Association
Eight fire engines and a height vehicle attended, and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
There were no reported injuries, and the blaze had been put out by 6.44pm.
The fire service has since confirmed “it’s believed the fire was started deliberately”.
The pavilion was permanently closed more than two years ago due to age and being beyond cost-effective repair, with plans to construct a new premise on site.
However, a proposed scheme to spend more than £1.619million towards the construction of a new clubhouse and changing facilities has been paused due to concerns over finances.
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene. Picture: Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents’ Association
The funding would go to Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council (SGTC); however, in February, Dartford council’s cabinet opted to delay the decision to commit funding.
Cllr Claire Pearce (Lab) says she was “shocked” when she heard about the blaze over the weekend.
She explained: “I can’t thank the residents who reported the fire and the fire brigade enough for their quick thinking.
“I know that the Mayor of Swanscombe was at the scene and has informed us that the blaze could have been started deliberately, that the town council have made sure that the building has been made secure and will hopefully be looking at further measures to secure the site going forward.
“Obviously when awful incidents like this happen there is online speculation – Cllr Ben Moussa and myself would like to reassure residents that Broomfield Park is a protected open space for our community and has been since the 1960’s when a covenant was put in place.
Cllr Claire Pearce says she was “shocked” when she heard about the blaze over the weekend
“Therefore, it is not at risk of future house building.
“The pavilion was a vital local asset when it was open, and we are doing everything we possibly can to make sure that funding is secured so that it can once again be the community hub that it once was.”
While the fire was still ongoing, Cllr Dawn Johnston, chairperson of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association and mayor of the town council, posted an update saying she “was told that the hall end was set alight, most likely arson”.
She added: “At this stage, it is not anticipated that this will have any impact on the current plans to build a new pavilion.”
Police officers did not attend the scene.