WORK is underway after a major fire swept through a historic building in Andover. 

Crews were called to the old Anton Laundry building, in Marlborough Street, at around 3pm on Saturday, May 27.

Firefighters battled the blaze for close to three hours. The roof was destroyed in the incident.

Following the fire Marlborough Street has been closed, as work is underway to make the derelict building and surrounding site safe.

Residents have since expressed concern about the condition the building has been left in, appealing to Test Valley Borough Council for the site to be blocked off to deter anyone from entering and risking getting hurt.

READ MORE: Hampshire fire service called to old Anton Laundry building

Borough councillor Iris Andersen said: "This is in the conservation area, and it is very sad to see this building go like this, with all the history it holds. It is such a shame and hopefully we can get to the bottom of how this happened and ensure we can preserve what remains of the building.

"Our conservation officers have been working very hard to ensure the safety of the Anton Laundry for members of the public.

"There is going to be someone there today (Wednesday) as this is a matter of urgency to carry out any remedial works and to install some Heras fencing around the building."

Andover Advertiser:

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware that there was a fire at the Anton Laundry site in Andover at the weekend.

"Council officers have visited the site and are now liaising with both the agents for owners of the building, and Hampshire County Council Highways, in order to discuss with them the condition of the building, following the damage caused by the fire.

"Discussions will take place to see what steps may be possible to make the structure stable so the road can be reopened at the earliest opportunity.”

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Crews from Andover, St Mary’s and Dorset and Wiltshire were called to the incident on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Rescue Service said: "At 14:59 on May 27 crews were called to a large fire (10x9 metres) in a derelict building in Marlborough street, Andover.

"The roof was 100 per cent damaged by fire. Two main jets and one aerial ladder platform jet were used and the stop message came in at 17:54."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

It is not the first time that the building has been affected by a fire, in 2015 and 2009 it was targeted in arson attacks.