News Company deny arson claims
A spokesperson from Sterling Capitol has this week hit back at anonymous claims that the recent fire at a unique Victorian property on the outskirts of Goole was started to damage the house so that it would have to be demolished.
The Goole Times received an anonymous call last week, claiming that a fire which tore through New Potter Grange shortly before Christmas was deliberately started.
Three fire engines, two crews from Goole and one from Howden, rushed to New Potter Grange to battle the blaze on Thursday, December 20, 2007, after receiving reports of a serious house fire.
Built in 1881, New Potter Grange retained most of its original features over the years, with a pine return staircase and original Italian tiled mosaic floor in the hall, but the house was severely damaged by the fire.
Last week's mystery caller also alleged that the valuable features of the home were removed just days before the blaze started.
But Gary Cartmell, consultant for Sterling Capitol, which now owns New Potter Grange since it was bought from Mr Claudio Coppola, told the Goole Times this week that the rumours were completely unfounded and malicious.
He said that money had been spent on the building, putting anti-vandalism measures into place, so that it could be protected.
"Sterling Capitol is a blue-chip company and its shareholders could not be involved in this suggestion.
"We were on the scene within 24 hours of the fire and anti-vandalism sheeting was put back up. Unfortunately, vandals have been back at it and have ripped the sheeting down again, so we are looking to cordon the building off this time."
Mr Cartmell added: "The building is very badly damaged inside and there is no timber left inside. My main concern is to make sure that youngsters don't get inside the building."
Goole Town councillor Pat O'Neil has entered the property since the fire last month, and told the Goole Times this week: "The building was damaged right up to the ceiling and the floors are not there any more.
"I have been around the house when it was inhabited, and all the valuable features were removed when the building was made secure.
"My main concern is the roof space where there has been a bat colony. English Nature will be checking on the bats' welfare."
Published on 10th January 2008 in News.
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Comments
Posted by John Duncan at 16:07:44 on 22 January 2008
With regard to the arson attack on New Potter Grange: I was surprised to learn from the Goole Times that Sterling Capitol is a Blue Chip Company. Could Gary Cartmell spokesman for the Blue Chip company please tell the Times readers its full name that some of us can buy shares in this goldmine.
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