A fire broke out last night in an upper floor of a vacant building behind the former Hourstons department store in Ayr, prompting a response from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Police Scotland. The incident has raised questions about security on the site, which is earmarked for redevelopment by South Ayrshire Council.
Fire at vacant building sparks community concern
The fire took hold within an upper floor of the building, and parts of Alloway Street leading to the High Street were cordoned off as a precaution. Smoke was seen billowing from an upper floor window, with fire crews in attendance.
The area is set for redevelopment after previous plans for a 'Wellness Village' were scrapped due to a lack of funding. However, there is a growing consensus that the fire was 'predictable,' with some locals expressing dismay over the incident.
Local politicians and residents react
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown took to social media on Thursday night, saying: "There will be a lot of anger regarding this. Many have been saying for months this (a fire) would happen. When there were security issues a few months back and the broken windows were repaired by SAC- we were given assurance that the building would be secured."
Residents also voiced concerns on Facebook. One man said: "I regularly phone the police about teens in the building and the concern that one time it will result in a fire, but between the council and the police, not enough has been done to stop access to the building."
Another man added: "If security isn't stepped up after this latest attack then SAC's budget for ripping up Burns Statue Square should be removed from them and used to secure and protect these historic assets. Utterly sickening."
Historic context and next steps
Two previous fires eventually spelled the end of the iconic Ayr Station Hotel, as a legal wrangle between the local authority and its owner dragged on over its structural condition and future. This latest fire at a site where the local authority hopes to redevelop has come under a security spotlight.
Other comments included: "Absolutely typical. Just an excuse to bring the Hourstons building down, next it will be the old Kyle Centre," and one woman said: "Not a surprise but hope they save the frontage." Both South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service have been contacted for a response.
