Fire at Swanscombe Pavilion in Broomfield Recreation Ground attended by crews with eight engines

Crews with eight fire engines spent three hours tackling a blaze that broke out at an old and disused pavilion.

Firefighters were called at about 3.40pm yesterday (April 4) to the building at Broomfield Recreation Ground in Swanscombe.

It was permanently closed more than two years ago due to age and being beyond cost-effective repair, with plans to construct a new premise on site.

However, a proposed scheme to spend more than £1.619 million towards the construction of a new clubhouse and changing facilities has been paused due to concerns over finances.

The funding would go to Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council (SGTC); however, in February, Dartford council’s cabinet opted to delay the decision to commit funding.

Cllr Dawn Johnston, chairperson of Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association and mayor of the town council, posted an update on the incident yesterday evening.

She said: “As you all are probably aware, the fire brigade was called to the old Swanscombe pavilion in Broomfield Park on Saturday afternoon.

“They arrived promptly and contained the situation.

“On visiting the person in charge of the firefighters, I was told that the hall end was set alight, most likely arson. The police will be informed.

“All is now under control except that, as part of the building has a two-layer roof, and smoke is getting stuck in between them, they are removing the skirting round the roof and are damping down that area.

“The council security contractor is involved and, where necessary and possible, will make the building safe. The fire officer and security have my number if I can help further.

“At this stage, it is not anticipated that this will have any impact on the current plans to build a new pavilion.”

A spokeswoman for the fire service confirmed that they were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building at The Grove in Swanscombe.

She added: “Eight fire engines and a height vehicle attended, and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames, before making sure there were no remaining hotspots.

“There were no reported injuries, and the cause is not yet known.”

By 6.44pm – around three hours later – the blaze had finally been put out and crews left the scene.

Kent Police have been contacted for more information.