ILMINSTER AREA NEWS: Villagers deeply upset as community pavilion destroyed by arsonists

POLICE are appealing for anyone with information about a devastating fire at a well-used village pavilion to get in touch.

Fire raged through the Lawrence Kellett Pavilion at Dowlish Wake near Ilminster on Thursday (October 13, 2016) night and police and Fire Service investigators have said that it was started by arsonists.

Chairman of the Lawrence Kellett Playing Field Trust, Mike Lane, speaking on social media, said: “The pavilion was built by hand by villagers 12 years ago and what has happened is so sad.

“The Playing Field Trust will endeavour to rebuild this much-loved and much-used community asset.”

Mr Lane said he would like to thank the “wonderful firefighters” from Ilminster and Chard who did “such brave and sterling work in trying to save the building.”

“Thanks to all the villagers and Nicky and Rich of the New Inn for providing tea and biscuits for the firefighters,” he added.

PHOTO - TOP: The fire rages at the pavilion. Photo courtesy of Mike Lane.

PHOTO - RIGHT: How the Lawrence Kellett Pavilion looked before the fire.

Sue Osborne, who lives in Dowlish Wake and represents the Windwhistle ward at South Somerset District Council, writing on social media, said: “This is a devastating attack on a much-loved community asset.

“I cannot understand why anyone would want to do this.

“The committee is determined to bounce back from this and rebuild. The arsonist cannot be allowed to win.”

The pavilion had excellent facilities including a kitchen, changing rooms and could seat about 30 for fully-seated event.

The Lawrence Kellett Playing Field Trust was established in 1973 when local resident Lawrence Kellett bought several parcels of land and put them together to create one large playing field which was landscaped.

The field was donated to the village for leisure, recreational and sporting use and the Trust owns and manages the facilities on behalf of the community.

The Trust has a thriving croquet club, while the playing field and pavilion is the home of Dowlish and Donyatt Football Club who play in the Perry Street League.

Now it is expected that the whole community will rally round to rebuild the pavilion. Members of the football club have already offered to help in the clear-up operation.

Anyone with information about the fire can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

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