Homes left without gas supply as huge blaze wrecks former art deco cinema

Northern Gas Networks had to cut off a gas main before demolition work could begin on what was left of the three-story building.

The site had originally been a 1930s art deco cinema but was more recently the Kings Bingo Hall.

A spokesman for the firm said around 10 homes were affected and people had been offered alternative accommodation and heating and cooking facilities for those who wished to remain in their homes.

Police and fire investigators continued to work yesterday to establish the cause of the fire. Demolition work was due to be carried out throughout last night.

Almost 100 firefighters from across West Yorkshire took two hours to bring the blaze under control and spent the night at the site after they were inundated with calls to the derelict Kings Bingo Hall, in Briggate, at around 8.30pm on Thursday.

Crews battled to stop the blaze spreading to neighbouring homes and businesses – one just inches away – as the roof collapsed and fell into the blazing building.

Station commander at Bingley fire station Andy Clayton, said: “We knew we could not save the building. Our concern was to stop the fire spreading to other premises.”

He praised firefighters for preventing the loss of more buildings around the site.