CONCERNS have been raised after suspected arsonists struck at a former youth and community centre in Bradford for the third time in the space of a week.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at the derelict Greenwood centre on Wood Lane, Swain House, on Monday night.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) said it was the third time crews had attended the site in the past week, adding that police had been informed and an arson investigation was underway.
Inspired Neighbourhoods - which had plans to refurbish the building into a community hub offering vital services such as mental health support - described the latest developments as "disheartening".
A resident said she was "fed up" with the fires at the "eyesore" property.
The Telegraph & Argus visited the site on Tuesday afternoon and captured pictures of the blaze-hit building.
Its roof was ravaged and boards were being put up in the windows.
A WYFRS spokesperson said: "We were called at 7.37pm on February 26 to reports of a building fire at the Greenwood Youth Centre on Wood Lane in Bradford.
"This was a derelict building - it was 20 per cent involved in fire.
"Crews from Shipley, Bradford and Odsal used hose reels, jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire, alongside support from the aerial ladder from Leeds."
The spokesperson added: "I can confirm this is our third attendance at this site in the last week.
"We have reported to the police and they are investigating it as arson."
The Telegraph & Argus asked West Yorkshire Police for a comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.
A resident, who asked not to be named, told the Telegraph & Argus she was "fed up" of fires at the site.
"The emergency services have enough to be dealing with without having to put out fire after fire here," she added.
"It's a regular occurrence.
"I've had enough of it."
She criticised those responsible for the blazes.
The woman also called for "something to be done" with the building.
In response, John Steele, chair of Inspired Neighbourhoods' board of trustees, said: "We are deeply concerned about the fire incident and the impact it has had on the local community.
"The Greenwood Youth Centre holds significant importance to us and the community, as we had plans to refurbish it into a vibrant community hub offering vital services such as mental health support, welfare assistance and various community activities. The recent setback due to the fire is indeed disheartening.
"We are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the fire and are committed to working closely with the relevant authorities, including WYFRS, to address any safety concerns and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
"Our priority remains the well-being and safety of the community, and we are determined to continue our efforts to revitalise the centre into a thriving space that serves the needs of the local residents."
Anyone with information about the fires should contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or visiting www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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