17 Jan 2012
The main stand of a Lancashire football club has been severely damaged in a fire, it has emerged.
Rossendale FC was hit by the fire at its Dark Lane ground in Newchurch, near Rawtenstall. Former chairman and player Steve Hobson said: “The whole ground is wrecked. I’m absolutely devastated.”
A probe is under way after a 260ft area of timber and concrete was struck by the blaze, which also damaged the club office.
The club was expelled from the North West Counties League last year following financial difficulties.
Mr Hobson said the fire was “the final nail in the coffin” for the ground, adding: “Some fans were hoping to come back to Dark Lane but that is not going to happen now.”
Copyright Press Association 2012