Nightclub demolition begins after 'possible arson'

The local council will only demolish part of the site to make it safe as it is privately owned

Demolition work has started on the site where a fire broke out at an abandoned nightclub.

Wigan Council said it had begun demolishing "unsafe" parts of the venue, formerly Jumpin' Jak's, after the site went up in flames last weekend.

King's Street has only been accessible by foot since the incident but the council said it hoped the works would make it safe "to reopen the road to traffic ahead of the weekend".

Greater Manchester Police said that the incident was "currently being investigated as a possible arson".

Flames could be seen on the roof of the empty building on Saturday night

The council noted that only "essential" works could be carried out by them since the building was privately owned.

In a statement made on Wednesday, Wigan Council said: "This is not a full demolition - only the sections that are unsafe will be removed.

"The road will remain open to pedestrians throughout the works, as it is now, which means businesses can open as normal and we are working with them to facilitate deliveries.

"As the building is privately owned, at this time we are only able to carry out essential works to the affected building, which will include this demolition to make the structure safe so we can reopen the road.

"Thank you for your patience."