HUGE Fire Rips Through Building In Greenock Town Centre
FIRE crews tackled a large blaze in Greenock town centre.
The fire engulfed the premises used by Wilson’s Storage and Removals in the former Free Gaelic Church in Jamaica Street.
The blaze broke out just after 5pm (Thursday) and 10 fire crews, including two high-reach vehicles, were at the scene.
Nearby streets were closed while the incident was brought under control. The top half of Jamaica Street remained closed on Friday.
Some residents had to be rehoused overnight.
Inverclyde Council building standards say the structure is dangerous and that partial demolition is required to remove the risk of collapse. Work which is expected to start tomorrow (Saturday) with the building made safe by New Year. Road closures in the area will remain in place.
The Sunday morning service at St John’s Episcopal Church will go ahead but the congregation will not have access to its car park or the church hall. All access will be through the front door on Union Street. The church thanked the fire service “who did such an impressive job in protecting our buildings.”
Neighbouring business Green Oak Funeral Services issued a statement, saying: “We would like to reassure our families that we have taken appropriate measures and all loved ones are being cared for in our Port Glasgow premises.
“Thank you to everyone for the concerns for our small family business. Many thanks to the fire brigade for their prompt response this evening.”
