AN APPEAL for information has been launched after a fire was set at a much valued community hall.

The large wheelie bins to the rear of Holsworthy Memorial Hall were reportedly set alight, with only the quick response from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service preventing it from overpowering the adjacent community space.

It is the latest in a series of bin fires across the town, although local stakeholders have warned this incident is the one that could have potentially had severe consequences given the proximity to the memorial hall.

The mayor of Holsworthy had previously condemned those behind the fire at a bin in the town’s skate park in recent weeks with the latest incident raising fears on what the next target might be if the perpetrators responsible are not stopped.

Cllr Jon Hutchings said there had been around six incidents of arson in as many weeks, adding: “Those involved must be stopped before someone gets seriously hurt and the costs escalate.”

A spokesperson for Holsworthy Memorial Hall said: “Late last night the trustees of the Holsworthy Memorial Hall were alerted to a fire at the back of the hall. It would appear that someone decided it would be a good idea to set the large wheelie bins on fire.

“Luckily a member of the public raised the alarm and thanks to the quick response from the Holsworthy Fire service the fire was put out before completely taking hold of the actual building.

“There has been quite a lot of damage but luckily the damage is repairable. If anyone saw anything suspicious around 11pm/11.15pm on November 7, please can you report it to the police with fire log No. 26307. This could have been so much worse!”

A spokesperson for Devon Fire and Rescue Service added: “Fire appliances from Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Bude and the aerial platform from Barnstaple were mobilised to this incident. Thankfully after a quick response we got the situation under control before the fire spread into the building. Bude and Barnstaple were stood down on route due to the fire being under control.

“We urge members of our community to be vigilant and report any information on these arson incidents that are sadly happening in our town to the local police.”

Cllr Nigel Kenneally, the mayor of Holsworthy, expressed his horror at the latest incident.

He said: “I am absolutely horrified that we have a continuing spate of vandalism and arson attacks that have been occurring in town.

“The incident last night could have been so much worse, and we could have potentially lost the Memorial hall without the prompt response of Holsworthy fire service. I would urge anyone who knows of anything or see's anything to please report it.”