A beloved sports pavilion is set to be knocked down after it was twice targeted by arsonists.

Hersden Pavilion was left totally destroyed after the blazes - with the first taking place back on March 26, causing £7,000 worth of damage.

The fire at Hersden pavilion on April 4

Just over a week later on April 4, it was again engulfed in flames.

Black smoke billowed into the air as fire crews tackled the blaze, which was later ruled to be "suspicious".

Residents were left devastated, with Louise Murphy Waite of nearby Shaftesbury Road saying: "It’s part of our heritage, which is why this saddens me so much. It’s like watching our memories burn down. It actually brought me to tears."

The second attack virtually destroyed the pavilion, which sits in the Recreation Ground, Hersden, and left the structure needing to be demolished to make the city council-owned site safe.

A specialist company will carry out the work, due to asbestos contamination at the site.

The council's head of contracts and facilities management, Alexis Jobson, said: “Sadly, in recent years the pavilion has been targeted by thieves who stole pipework and electricals causing £60,000 worth of damage, and now by arsonists too.

“Vandals have also visited the site since the latest devastating fire. What remains of the building needs to be demolished for everyone’s health and safety."

But Mrs Jobson says there could be another pavilion on the land in future.

“This is a short-term solution," she said. "We are conscious of how important building was to the community so we will work with our councillors, the parish council and local people on the options for the future, which includes the possibility of rebuilding a facility there.”

The site has been boarded up and fenced off while council officers work with the council’s insurance company, and seek planning permission for demolition.

Police are still investigating the fire, which they have linked to another arson attack outside a nearby car wash.

Two cars parked on a forecourt outside the business in Island Road, Hersden, were written off after they were set fire to in the early morning of April 18.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/66427/20, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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