A BLAZE at a disused Newport bowls club was started deliberately, the fire service said.
Crews were called to Llanwern Bowls Club, on Ringland Way, at 8.19pm last night.
Network Rail was informed because of the close proximity of smoke to a train track, but there was no disruption to services.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said no fire investigation was carried out, but concluded that as the building was vacant and contained no utilities, the blaze must have been started deliberately.
Llanwern Bowls Club, now in its 50th year, moved its operations from the site to Beechwood Park in March after repeated vandal attacks.
This included 30 thefts, copper wiring being stolen from clubhouse and fly tipping on the green, including 1,000 car tyres being dumped.
The building has been vacant since.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here