Families have expressed their dismay after a fire ripped through the remaining building at the old Camelot theme park in Chorley, Lancashire. The attraction, which closed in 2012, had already fallen into disrepair, with recent photos showing graffiti and structural damage.
Fire Engulfs Castle Structure
On Sunday afternoon, a blaze broke out in the timber-framed building, which once housed the food court and toilets and was designed as a medieval castle. Drone footage captured by Andy Shute showed thick black smoke billowing from the structure as firefighters battled the flames.
Mr Shute said: "I was returning from a shopping trip and saw dense black smoke. I launched my drone about 200 metres from the fire. One fire engine was there initially, and two more arrived later."
Emergency Response
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sent four engines from Chorley, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, and Wigan. A spokesperson said: "The building measured approximately 40 metres by 40 metres and was of timber construction. Firefighters used two jets and remained for around three hours." The cause of the fire is under investigation, and Lancashire Police also attended.
Community Reaction
Families who visited the park in its heyday shared their sadness. One said: "What a shame. I visited in its heyday, sad to see it in decline." Another added: "We had so many happy times there when my children were younger." The park opened in 1983, themed around King Arthur, and featured rides like Whirlwind, Knightmare, and Excalibur before closing in 2012.
Future of the Site
Plans to build 350 homes on the site have been controversial, with concerns about traffic gridlock. The decision rests with a government-appointed inspector this summer. In recent years, the site hosted Scare City, a Halloween zombie experience.
