Arsonists burn down adult education centre in Wood End

[dutchman]

Police are appealing for witnesses after arsonists attacked an adult learning and disability centre in Coventry.



The emergency services received calls to the Eburne Neighbourhood Learning Centre in Deedmore Road, Wood End, at 11.20pm yesterday.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said they received a call from “a member of the public expressing concern at hearing an alarm and the sound of breaking glass.”

Eight fire crews were called out from across Coventry to help tackle the horrific blaze that has caused an estimated £100,000 worth of damage to the council run property and the Coventry City Mission adjacent to it.

A spokesman from West Midlands Fire Service said: “We had eight crews at the scene, along with the support they require and a hydraulic platform.”

Three crews were still at the site at 9am this morning damping down the area.

Coventry City Council warned residents around Deedmore Road last night “to keep doors and windows closed, due to smoke, following a fire in the area”.

Sgt Heather Malin, of West Midlands Police, said: “This was a very serious fire that’s caused extensive damage.

"It’s a senseless attack on a community facility and will no doubt lead to huge disruption for people who rely on the centre.

“One witness has reported seeing people running off down Potters Green Road, potentially into Woodway Lane, so I’d also urge anyone in that area last night to call me as they may have important information.”

Police are now appealing for anyone who was around Deedmore Road between 11pm and 11.30pm last night and who may have seen anything suspicious to call 101.

Alternatively anyone with information can call Sergeant Heather Malin directly on 101 using extension 7931 6067.

This news won't surprise anyone who knows the area

[rebbonk]

The only hope many of them ever have of bettering themselves and they destroy it!

Simply beggars belief really.

[dutchman]

£7m to create new homes at site of torched Wood End education centre



The site of a learning centre destroyed by fire is set to be given a new lease of life thanks to a £7million investment.

Eburne Learning Centre, in Wood End, was burnt down in a deliberate arson attack back in 2015 and the land has stood empty ever since.

But now, housing association Optivo will build homes on the four-acre brown field plot.

Optivo is teaming up with developer Westleigh to built 52 new homes, all for affordable rent.

The development, on Deedmore Road, will include two, three and four bedroom homes, with gardens and parking spaces.

Rent will range from just £95.51 per week to £119.68.

Work will start on site this summer and it is scheduled to be completed around July 2018.

It’ll bring Optivo’s property numbers in the region up to a total of 1,733 - with more planned.

Mark Miles-Lea, executive director of development and sales at Optivo, said: “Cities like Birmingham and Coventry have become incredibly popular for redevelopment over the past few years as housing associations look to diversify their property portfolios.

“We’re committed to doing our bit to address housing need in West Midlands and we are really excited by the prospect of developing on the site at Deedmore Road.

“It’s a great location with good travel links to Coventry City Centre. There are local schools as well as shops and green space nearby. There’s also an industrial estate, which offers potential job opportunities.”

Gino Siani, Westleigh’s head of new business for the West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Optivo on this exciting project.

“The Deedmore Road development provides us with an opportunity to redevelop a brownfield site, whilst also enabling us to create much-needed affordable housing within the city of Coventry.

“We are committed to playing our part in addressing the affordable housing shortfall across the West Midlands.

“The 52 homes this development will create are part of our wider strategy to provide affordable homes for those in need, in Coventry and further afield.”

Cllr Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council cabinet member for community development, added: “There is a real need for good quality, affordable housing in Coventry so this new development is a really good news.

“People deserve to live in good quality homes, close to all the things they need – including shops, green space and schools. This site is in a great location and I’m sure it will be really popular.”

They love using that word "affordable" without explaining exactly what it means and to who?

[Melisandre]

A sprat to catch a marckrel hmmmm

Affordable is for some one earning good money.