Road reopens after derelict building fire sends black smoke into the sky

The road was reopened on Friday afternoon (September 20)

A key route near a Derbyshire town has reopened following a large fire at a derelict property. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were attending a fire at a building on Park Road, between Stanton and Newhall, at around 2.40pm on Thursday (September 19).

On Friday (September 20) morning, the road remained closed in both directions. The full statement from the fire service reads: "We're currently dealing with a derelict building fire on Park Road in Stanton.

"Emergency services were called at 2.42pm. Kingsway, Ascot Drive, Swadlincote and Burton station are in attendance. If affected by the smoke, keep doors & windows closed." An onlooker at the scene described seeing "plumes of black smoke" coming from the building and "flames really high into the sky".

Derbyshire police were also in attendance. A spokesperson for the police force said: "Park Road is currently closed in Stanton, near Swadlincote, from the junction of the A444 to the new roundabout due to a fire at an abandoned building. Fire crews remain at the scene." Park road remains closed in both directions from the A444 Woodland Road to Aspen Way.

An updated statement from the fire service on Friday confirmed that fire crews had left the scene. A spokesperson for the fire brigade said: "Final fire crews left the scene near Swadlincote shortly before 8pm on September 19. Firefighters from Swadlincote returned at 7am this morning to carry out a reinspection to check for any hot spots. A further reinspection of the site is due to commence."