There were plans to bring the derelict building back into use before the fire
The historic home of a famous Victorian poet in Co Tyrone appears to have been destroyed beyond repair following an arson attack.
Milltown House in Strabane was the childhood home of the famous hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander, who wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful.
There were plans involving the local council and Strabane rugby club to bring the derelict building back into use before the blaze caused serious damage on Thursday night.
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Police are treating the blaze as deliberate. A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are appealing for information following a report of arson at derelict premises at the Milltown Road area of Strabane.”
Sergeant Neill said: “Shortly before 10:50pm on Thursday 21st August, police attended a fire at a derelict building in the area. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who were in attendance, dealt with the fire.
“Police remain at the scene following the fire this morning, Friday 22nd August, which at this stage is being treated as deliberate.
“Enquiries are continuing following the incident and police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the fire, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1892 21/08/25. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport . Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .”
Sinn Fein councillor Brian Harte, speaking to Belfast Live, said: “It’s a very disappointing state of affairs that such an historic building, with such signficance to Strabane in relation to Frances Cecil Alexander the great poet.
“We had been working, the council and other organisations including Strabane Rugby Club, on redeveloping that site. It was going to be incorporated as part of that within a social housing development.
“To see that destroyed is very disappointing indeed. I was up there this morning, talking to the PSNI and fire fighters on site. The roof looks completely gone. I’m not a structural engineer but it looks beyond repair at this stage.
“It’s just so disappointing to see something with such historic significance destroyed.”
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said: “It’s deeply frustrating that at a time when we are working to preserve historic buildings in this area and turn them into something that can be used for the public good we are seeing people engage in this kind of stupid, irresponsible activity, destroying their own community.
“All the effort that has gone into securing a future for this site has gone up in smoke. We will have to see how bad the damage is and what we can salvage for future use. I know the Council, on behalf of themselves, Clanmill Housing and Strabane Rugby Club are in discussions with Education Authority about the site, and I hope their plans haven’t been scuppered by these mindless vandals.”
He continued: “I would ask the people behind this to catch themselves on and stop and think about the damage they are causing. We need to foster a sense of pride in this area and these actions are totally in contrast to that.”
The West Tyrone MLA added: “I would also like to thank the Fire Service for their efforts to try and save this historic building and would ask anyone with any information to come forward to police.”
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