FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a former school site.

Crews rushed to the former Penkford School, on Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows, in the early evening on Tuesday, September 3, at around 6pm.

The fire was in the school hall area of the building and crews extinguished the flames.

Firefighters spent more than two hours at the scene and police were also in attendance. 

Smoke coming out of the former school building during the fireSmoke coming out of the former school building during the fire (Image: Szymon Pankanin)

A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "MFRS was in attendance at an incident on Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows yesterday, Tuesday, September 3.

"Crews were alerted at 6.04pm and two fire engines were on scene eight minutes later.

"On arrival, firefighters found one school hall involved in fire. The main fire was extinguished and crews hotspotted the back roof and internally.

"Merseyside Police was also in attendance at the incident.

"The incident was left with St Helens Borough Council to resecure the building.

"MFRS left the scene at 8.18pm."

Last month the Star reported after plans to demolish the disused Penkford School buildings were submitted.

The former school site has been empty since Penkford relocated to the site of the former Red Bank Education Unit in 2022, under its new name Willow Bank

The Star has also asked Merseyside Police about the incident.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk