Published: Thursday, 20th May, 2010 8:30am

Derelict clubhouse flattened after blaze

by Alex Lawrie

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TRANENT Juniors Social Club has been razed to the ground after fireraisers struck at the derelict building for the third time in just over a year.

Seven fire crews fought for more than six hours last Friday night to contain the blaze at the Lindores Drive clubhouse following a massive 26 emergency calls from the public. Four fire crews attended, along with a further three special appliances from Liberton, Marionville and Newcraighall.

Friday night's inferno, which began at about 5.30pm, caused so much damage the building was considered to be dangerous and was flattened by a local demolition firm on Saturday morning.

Initially, firefighters tackled the blaze using high-pressure hose reel jets and main appliance jets. East Lothian Council building control officers then attended to assess the derelict building's safety.

Brian Johnston, Tranent Juniors general manager, said: "I can't believe this has happened again.

"To be honest, the building was becoming a total eyesore and maybe now we can install portocabins to be used as a clubhouse."

Raymond Strang, chair of Tranent Community Council, said: "This is definitely a concern for the people of Tranent.

"There have been a notable number of fireraising incidents in the town in the last year and, thankfully, nobody was injured in this serious fire.

"We should really be looking for CCTV cameras to be installed in and around the area to combat this problem."

The clubhouse has been a carget for arsonists since it closed its doors in January last year, and suffered more than £20,000 worth of damage in a fireraising attack last July.

A police spokesperson added: "Two boys, aged 12 and 13, have been charged in connection with a suspicious fire at Tranent Juniors Social Club on May 14. A report will be sent to the Children's Reporter.

"Reducing deliberate fire raising is a priority for Lothian and Borders Police and remains a key focus of our local officers in tackling anti-social behaviour within our communities."