Cause of fire may remain a mystery

FIRE investigators probing the blaze which destroyed Plympton Library say the exact cause may never be known.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service chiefs say last month's fire was so severe it destroyed any clue as to whether it was arson or not.

It comes as council chiefs revealed they are talking to architects about a new library design, which they hope to have operational within two to three years.

A spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "The investigation is still continuing but the damage was so severe we don't think we will ever be able to say what the exact cause was.

"We have not ruled out arson but we have not ruled out other causes.

"It has been impossible to locate the source due to the extent of the blaze."

A Plymouth City Council spokesman added: "We are doing our best to find temporary alternative accommodation in the area so that we can get the local library service back up and running as soon as possible.

"In the meantime people can return their books to Harewood House where they can also pick up books reserved online or at other libraries in the city.

"We are already talking to architects about the design for the new library which we hope to have in place within the next two to three years."

Earlier this month The Herald revealed most of the rare books, documents and photographs feared lost in the fire on August 20 escaped the flames.

They were moved from Plympton to the Central Library after an earlier fire.

However, it is still thought the massive blaze at the Ridgeway library wiped out more than 27,000 books as well as DVDs, CDs, computers, terminals and irreplaceable local history archives.

The resources, valued at £300,000, were used by thousands of people in Plympton and across the city.

Along with Plymstock library, Plympton was the most popular branch library in Plymouth, attracting hundreds of people a day.

But the wooden building was more than 40 years old and a campaign to replace it was in full swing well before the blaze.

Despite the fire crews assertion the cause may never be established, police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward with any sightings of anyone seen acting suspiciously overnight on August 19/20.

Anyone with any information regarding the cause of the fire should contact police on 08452 777 444 quoting log number 127 of August 20.

Customers with any queries about their loans should ring Plymouth's Central Library on 01752 305923 or visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries.

tnichols@theplymouthherald.co.uk