Yahoo News Firefighters tackle suspected arson blaze in historic park property
Fire fighters tackled an early morning blaze at a historic park property. A fire broke out at inside lodge in Handsworth Park, off Hamstead Road, around 5.30am on Tuesday, April 23.
The flames spread to the roof space before they were brought under control by crews from Highgate and Handsworth. Phil Morrison, from Handsworth Fire Station, said: "We believe it was arson. The property will be passed back to the council."
More than 600 people have signed a petition to save the property and bring it back into community use. Graffiti daubed on wooden boards reads 'Don't let BCC sell this house.'
The Lodge House has stood at the gateway to Handsworth Park from Hamstead Road, for more than a century and could be sold off by the council to generate much-needed funds.
Click here to sign the petition
It was occupied until a few years ago but has since fallen into neglect and vandalism. The council said the building was under review and no decision had been made about selling it at auction.
Angela Shanyinde, 62, who was walking with her friend, said: "It's a shame- what are they going to turn it into ?
"It's eye-catching. There's a lot of history in this park. If I won the lottery, I would buy it and turn it into a place where the community could come."
