Work to continue at former glassworks despite arson attack
Developers today vowed to press ahead with plans to create a renowned glassmaking attraction despite an arson attack at the site.
Fire crews were called after a blaze inside the former Stuart Crystal glassworks, in Wordsley High Street, yesterday afternoon.
Vandals had set cardboard and other rubbish and debris alight inside the Grade II listed building opposite the Red House Glass Cone attraction.
Firefighters using breathing apparatus entered the derelict building to tackle the blaze shortly after 5pm.
They were quickly able to extinguish the blaze but there were problems with thick smoke caused by the flames.
Arsonists have targeted the building over recent years included a major blaze that ripped through the building in 2011.
Watch commander Brian Morris, of Stourbridge Fire Station, said: "It looks like someone got into the building and set fire to a pile of cardboard and other rubbish on the ground floor.
"It was nothing serious and we were able to extinguish the fire in about five or 10 minutes.
"We had to use the breathing equipment as it created quite a bit of smoke."
Major £5 million plans have been in the pipeline by Complex Developments Ltd to transform the site into a new glass museum.
Director Ian Harrabin said: "We have been informed about the fire. We are continuing to work on our plans."
In a separate scheme, Morris Homes Ltd plan to build dozens of new homes on part of the former factory.
Work is expected to begin later this year.
