Lancashire Fire and Rescue and Wyre Council issue update on major incident in Lord Street, Fleetwood

Firefighters were this evening in the process of leaving the site of a fire which devastated the former M&S shop in Fleetwood town centre.

Last night's blaze caused extensive damage to the premises on Lord Street.

Eight fire crews were called to the blaze who worked until 3am to bring the blaze under control until there were just a few small pockets of fire left.

Firefighters also battled to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties in the town centre.

Today people were urged to stay away from the site, as fire crews assessed the structural integrity of the former ex-catalogue shop.

After the emergency service leaves the site, Wyre Council will take over to examine the site and make sure it is safe.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "We have been at the site all day, but now have done all we can.

"It will now be handed over to Wyre Council who will carry out their own examination of the site."

Wyre Council has been working closely with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesman for the council said: "Our immediate priority is to support those affected.

“Council officers were on site to support the emergency response, and opened a rest centre at Marine Hall to provide assistance for those displaced or affected.

“We also supported with temporary road closures to help ensure public safety. Officers are now working with the owners to make the building, the neighbouring buildings and the surrounding areas safe.

“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

"We are working with building owners and partner agencies to make the sire, neighbouring properties and the surrounding area safe, while assessing any further action required in line with our statutory responsibilities.”

The fire and its aftermath also disrupted tram and bus services in Fleetwood.

Trams were terminating at Thornton Gate - more than three miles away from the town and there were diversions on most bus services to the port.

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson following Wednesday night's fire.

Fleetwood police have two boys, aged 13 and 15, in custody.

The building has had a chequered recent past.

It was once Fleetwood's cherished M&S store before becoming one of its biggest eyesores.

The property at 68-74 Lord Street has been empty for four years. It was occupied by Ex-Catalogue Discount Outlet after years of it lying empty, but in 2022 the search was on for a new owner or tenant.

It is currently owned by a North West charitable trust which is keen to see the building back in use.

In the 60s and 70s, it was a thriving M&S as the thriving fishing industry meant there was plenty of money around.

However, following the industry's collapse after the final Cod War in 1979, the store began to suffer.

M&S pulled out in the mid-80s and other businesses took over the shop, including Hitchens and Store Twenty One.

The Lord Street landmark reached its lowest ebb in December 2018, when police discovered a cannabis farm containing plants with a street value of £3m operating on the premises.

Around 1,700 plants were seized and police described it as "one of our largest drug finds".