Skip to content

Derelict factory fire closes school for second day

Andy Trigg
BBC News, Norfolk
Chris Goreham/BBC Demolition plant at the site of the former factory. Part of the roof has collapsed and the ruins can be seen in the background Chris Goreham/BBC
"Essential" demolition of the factory began on Tuesday

A school has remained closed for a second day following a large fire at a derelict shoe factory containing asbestos.

Norfolk County Council said George White Junior School was shut as a "precautionary measure" following advice from emergency services and local authorities.

More than a dozen fire crews were called to a blaze at the former Van-Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road, Norwich, on Monday evening.

Norfolk Police confirmed it had begun an investigation.

Smoke and an orange glow can be seen coming from behind residential home. There is a police officer and a white car in the picture
At its height, more than a dozen fire crews battled the blaze

Norwich City Council said initial air quality tests showed "no significant levels of asbestos present in the air" and it reassured residents the health risk was low.

It added further tests would take place on Wednesday.

"Specialist asbestos operatives provided by the demolition company are on site," a council spokesperson said.

"Essential demolition took place on [Tuesday] night and is ongoing this morning."

George White Junior School is located about 100m (328ft) from the derelict site.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue said it believed up to 75% of the building had been damaged.

Chris Goreham/BBC Demolition plant alongside piles of red bricksChris Goreham/BBC
The city council is urging the public to "avoid the site entirely"

The closure of the facility, Norwich's last remaining shoe factory, was announced in 2018.

Firefighters attended a blaze at the same location last April.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links