Town hall hit by HSBC bank fire to stay closed

Fire crews on the scene at the HSBC branch in Loughborough

A town hall affected by a fire at a nearby bank branch will remain closed, a council has confirmed.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at HSBC in Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, on Wednesday.

HSBC said the fire caused "significant damage" to the roof and upper levels of the bank.

Charnwood Borough Council added preparations were "already under way" to get Loughborough Town Hall - next door to the bank - open by 27 March at the earliest.

The council said inspections of the Grade II-listed town hall had found several metres of the building's roof were damaged by smoke and fire. There is also some water damage to the building.

Officials added they had to cancel shows at the venue over the weekend.

The extended closure now means Beyond the Barricade, on Friday, and 80's Live the following day are now also postponed, the council added.

'Significant damage'

Meanwhile, HSBC has said it is opening a pop-up branch following the blaze.

The initial temporary branch will be set up at Loughborough Library on Thursday and Friday, between 10:00 and 16:00 GMT.

The bank added it was working with the council to set up a more suitable permanent location while repairs took place.

Gursh Bassi, HSBC UK's local director, thanked emergency services for their efforts and confirmed no-one was inside the bank when the fire broke out.

"After carrying out an initial assessment, I am saddened to report there is significant damage to the roof and upper levels of the property," he said.

"We will continue to assess what is needed in terms of repair, but it is obvious the branch will be closed for the foreseeable future."