COMMUNITY group Mayday Saxonvale have expressed their dismay at a fire on the Saxonvale site in Frome.

A spokesperson for the community group said: “We are absolutely devastated by the fire at the Western Warehouse.

“Our thoughts are with Damon and Kate, the Silk Mill residents, neighbouring businesses and local residents who have been affected, as well as with the firefighters tackling this incredibly difficult blaze.”

Eight pumping appliances plus special appliances from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attended the three-storey derelict building fire with crews using three main jets to tackle the fire.

Cordons were put in place due to the structural instability of the building and nearby residents told to keep windows and closed.

Two water carriers and two aerial ladder platforms have been mobilised to the scene just before 5pm with appliances and officers attending from neighbouring fire and rescue services in Avon and Dorset and Wiltshire.

By 8.30pm the fire service reported progress in extinguishing the fire and reducing the response to two fire engines with all fire crews finally leaving the scene at 5.30am on Thursday morning (July 2). The fire was extinguished using breathing apparatus, main jets, high volume water pumps.

The service reported 80 percent damage to the building by fire and 100 percent damage by smoke. The roof of the building collapsed during the fire, and the cause is still being investigated. Police were also in attendance overnight to secure the site.

The fire comes as community group Mayday Saxondale announced they will formally submit a bid for the brownfield site before the July 9 deadline. The final ruling on the future of the site by Somerset Council is expected to be within the next three months.

Their spokesperson added: “The Western Warehouse has stood as a significant part of Saxonvale's industrial heritage for generations.

“It is also an important part of our vision for Saxonvale, with the potential to become a much-loved community asset for future generations.

“We must wait to assess the building's condition before determining if it can still serve this purpose. Seeing it so badly damaged is heartbreaking for everyone who cares about this place.

“Right now, our focus is simply on the people affected and on thanking the emergency services.”

Mayday Saxonvale, backed by central government funding, launched a community share scheme in early-January giving local residents a chance to part own the site when it officially goes up for sale.

More than £380,000 has already been secured from the share offer on top of £1.2m from the Resonance community developers fund, with more than 450 people investing money in the Mayday Saxonvale Community Benefit Society.

The group is now finalising its funding options for the bid with Resonance and its development partner Stories.

Benefit Society chair Brigid Clark said: “Between now and July 8, every investment puts us in a stronger position as we prepare our bid to Somerset Council.

“So, if you’ve been thinking about investing, please do it now.”