Broadfields Farm Visitor Centre Destroyed
Filed under: Networks News Green Space & Conservation
Upminster Centre hit by Thunderbolt
13-August-2008
A BOLT of lightning is the likely cause of a blaze that destroyed the popular visitor centre at the heart of the Thames Chase Forest.
Some 60 firefighters battled for more than seven hours to save the £660,000 Thames Chase Forest Centre in Pike Lane, Upminster.
But while crews from Romford, Hornchurch and surrounding fire stations managed to stop the inferno from destroying the neighbouring 17th century barn, the visitor centre was razed to the ground.
Havering Borough's Upminster ward Cllr Linda Hawthorn told the Gazette: "It was a really new building. Hopefully the insurance will cover it, but if not we will have to have a meeting with the borough council on what to do.
"It is a great loss to the community," she added.
The visitor centre in the 140-acre Thames Chase forest opened in March
2005.
The environmentally-friendly building, which was built almost entirely of wood, was launched as part of ambitious plans by the Countryside Agency and Forestry Commission to plant 5.5 million trees and create 40 square miles of forest, stretching from Dagenham through to Rainham, Hornchurch, Aveley, Upminster, and Harold Wood, by 2030.
Education officer at the centre, Aimee Felus, who lives in a nearby farmhouse, noticed flames in the roof last Wednesday night and alerted the fire brigade.
They managed to save the 400-year-old, Grade II listed Broadfields Barn, but the centre was completely gutted.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said it is believed a lightning bolt during Wednesday's violent storm could be responsible for the blaze.
Bob Jennings, Thames Chase Director, said: "The staff and volunteers are all devastated by the loss of this much loved and used building. The clean-up operation is underway but we need to assess the situation. I can only ask for the public's support during this tough time."
| Contact Person | Bob Jennings |
|---|---|
| Contact Telephone | 01708 641880 |
| Contact email | |
| Borough | Havering |
| Organisation |