Key Takeaways
- A large fire broke out in the Brighouse area, affecting nearby residents and water supply
- Fire crews tackled the blaze, using water from the Yorkshire Water network, which temporarily affected water pressure and supply to around 50 properties
- The water supply has been restored to all properties in the area
- The building where the fire occurred has a rich history, having been used as a cinema, bingo hall, and ballroom
- A planning application was submitted to demolish the building and replace it with a Starbucks drive-thru in August
Introduction to the Incident
A large fire broke out in the Brighouse area, prompting a police spokesperson to ask people to stay clear of the area while fire crews tackled the blaze. The spokesperson also advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke. This was a necessary precaution to prevent the smoke from spreading and causing any potential health risks to those in the surrounding area. The fire was significant enough to require the fire service to draw water from the Yorkshire Water network, which temporarily affected the water pressure and supply to around 50 properties close to the incident.
Impact on the Local Community
The temporary disruption to the water supply was a result of the fire service’s need to access the Yorkshire Water network to help tackle the blaze. A Yorkshire Water spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating that the water supply has now been restored to all properties in the area. The spokesperson also took the opportunity to thank customers for their patience while they were working to support the needs of both the fire service and their customers. This response highlights the importance of cooperation between emergency services and utility providers in responding to incidents like this. The fact that the water supply was restored quickly is a positive outcome, and it is likely that the local community will appreciate the efforts of the fire service and Yorkshire Water in resolving the situation.
History of the Building
The building where the fire occurred has a rich history, dating back to 1937 when it was originally opened. Over the years, it has been used as a cinema, bingo hall, and was home to The Ritz Ballroom from 1981 to 2017. The building hit the headlines in 2017 when lawyers from the Ritz Hotel ordered its owner to change its name or face legal action. This led to the building closing as a ballroom later that same year, and it also ceased to operate as a live music space in February 2020. The building’s history and former uses make it a notable landmark in the area, and its potential redevelopment will likely be of interest to the local community.
Future Plans for the Site
In August, a planning application was submitted to Calderdale Council to demolish the building and replace it with a Starbucks drive-thru. This proposal will likely be the subject of much debate in the local community, with some people potentially opposing the loss of a historic building and others supporting the creation of new jobs and amenities. The fact that the building has been out of use for some time may weigh in favor of the redevelopment plans, but it is also possible that some people will argue that the building should be preserved and restored to its former glory. The outcome of the planning application will be important in determining the future of the site and the character of the surrounding area.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The fire in the Brighouse area has highlighted the importance of emergency services and utility providers working together to respond to incidents. The fact that the water supply was restored quickly and that the fire was brought under control is a positive outcome. The future of the building where the fire occurred is uncertain, with a planning application pending to demolish it and replace it with a Starbucks drive-thru. The local community will likely be watching the situation closely, and it will be interesting to see how the plans for the site develop in the coming weeks and months. The BBC has contacted West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for further details about the incident, and it is likely that more information will become available as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
