Town's history 'up in smoke'

Published 2 Jun 2010 15:16 4 Comments

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Special report by Jennifer Black

IT was something that people had seen before - Paton's Mill on fire.

But on previous occasions the flames had been brought under control and the historic building remained a focal point of Johnstone.

However, Monday afternoon brought to an end the mill's 288 year history.

The blaze started around 4.30pm and it has been claimed youths were seen running from the category A listed mill - one of the oldest of its kind in Scotland.

The ground floor fire had to be fought from the outside as the building was not safe enough for the firefighters to enter.

The smoke filled the air and before long flames were seen rising up through the building and out the roof.

Crowds of people quickly turned up to see what was going on and watched as the Paton's Mill slowly burned and the front and back elevations collapsed.

Witnesses were keen to make their views on the fire known.

Scott McLeod from Johnstone said: "I think it is a waste of an old building - if they made it secure this wouldn't have happened. A good part of Johnstone's history has gone up in smoke."

Johnstone woman Zoe Elliot watched the flames take over the building.

She said: "It has happened before but it's never been that big."

Jacqueline McCotter from Johnstone said: "I think it's sad - I used to work there it was one of my first jobs."

Kath Liddle added: "They really need to catch the people that did this."

Police started to move people back up towards the High Street around 6.40pm and residents of the flats opposite were told to keep their windows and doors shut.

Renfrewshire Council had been working with the Prince of Wales Regeneration Trust over the past year to try and redevelop the site that has lain derelict for years.

A fire caused major damage to the building only six weeks ago but talks between the two partners had been positive since then.

Head of planning at Renfrewshire Council Fraser Carlin and councillor Iain Nicolson were due to travel to Perth yesterday (Tuesday) to meet with the trust but this has been postponed due to the fire.

Council leader Derek Mackay said: "This is a severe blow to Johnstone and our long-running attempts to restore this historic building.

"The damage caused by the fire is extensive and much more severe than the previous fire.

"We are determined to retain as much of the remaining building as possible.

"We are speaking with the owner of the building to discuss what further action needs to be taken and have also made contact with the Prince of Wales Regeneration Trust, who we have been working with on plans to restore the former mill.

"Following discussions we are still hopeful that a viable redevelopment proposal can be taken forward.

"However our primary concern at the moment is to make the building safe and ask people to stay away from the site until it can be made safe."

The Paton's Mill was built in 1782 and was a textile factory for over 200 years.

Most recently it was used to make shoe laces before work was moved to a nearby business park.

Planning permission was given to Belfast company GWM Developments in 2004 to turn the building into flats and office space.

GWM Developments could not be contacted as The Gazette went to press.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are continuing their probe into the blaze and are yet to confirm what started the fire.

Group Commander Alan Fairbairn said: "The initial incident commander immediately requested further assistance via the service's Operations control centre.

"Within a relatively short period of time, the fire flashed over due to the massive volumes of hot flammable fire gases and smoke being generated.

"This flashover resulted in the immediate full involvement of the building in fire.

"At the height of the blaze, there were serious concerns of the fire spreading to neighbouring residential tenement properties and businesses, due to ignited embers being blown onto surrounding buildings.

"This included a secondary fire being started in the foliage surrounding a nearby petrol station which was around 100 metres away from the main blaze.

"These issues were dealt with rapidly by the crews in attendance.

"Due to the severity of the blaze and the high risk of the collapse of the building, fire crews were forced to direct firefighting operations from a safe distance.

"The incident is still ongoing and expected to require a fire service presence for some considerable time.

"There is no further information available at this time."

Johnstone police are asking anyone with information about Monday's fire to please contact the police office on 01505 404000.

This article appeared in The Gazette 02 Jun 10

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

Graham
Unregistered User
Jun 2, 16:33
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Isn't it strange how old historic buildings in this country seem to spontaneously combust when they need upgraded, renovated or there is a potential for the land being used for something else?

Then an insurance claim is made and hay ho, a shiny new building or block of flats appear with no character or soul!!

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Hazelkaye
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Jun 2, 20:19
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Yes Graham - all too true!

"It has been claimed youths were seen running..."

AYE RIGHT! This was hardly a "run-of-the-mill" (ouch!) 'match starts fire' conflagration - was it?

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Elchappy
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Jun 2, 22:22
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Wisen up Hazelkaye and Graham -been watching too much tv methinks!

I doubt this is owned by a developer now - I am pretty sure it is owned by an Irish bank who took it back from borrower.

The culprits are likely to be the same feral youths causing all the bother on the cycle track at Morrisons. Whoever it was need caught. This is a real shame for Johnstone and its history. It can't ever be brought back. The **** who did this need prison.

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Hazelkaye
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Jun 2, 23:27
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Elchappy!

Methinks you mean fire-all youths, do you not?

Johnstone's sad loss! Not much worthwhile 'history' left now - unless you count "Lunatic Square"!

Ashes to ashes etc!

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