Muir comments on Fire at Villa Toscana Restaurant, Bangor

Commenting on the fire at Villa Toscana restaurant, Bangor, North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir remarked: “I am very concerned that such a serious blaze occurred in Bangor destroying commercial premises at Toscana Retail Park, Bangor. Thankfully the Fire Service were able to tackle and extinguish the blaze very quickly without any loss of life. Anyone with any information concerning the incident should contact the Police without delay in order to help the Police and Fire Service to identify the cause.”

Continuing, Cllr Muir remarked: “With the restaurant closed for a significant period of time and both Clandeboye Retail Park and Toscana Retail Park placed into receivership by Anglo Irish Bank last year I have long been concerned about the state of the Villa Toscana building. After previously contacting the police concerning ease of access available to the building I was glad to see the building partially secured but with no occupier anyone intent on gaining access could almost certainly enter the old disused restaurant.”

Concluding, Cllr Muir stated: “Whilst the cause of tonight’s fire hasn’t yet been established the need to secure and protect disused buildings remains paramount during these tough economic times when more premises remain unsold and unoccupied.”

ENDS