FIRE crews from across Worcester battled a large thatched roof fire, that led to the closure of the A38 in Severn Stoke, Worcester last night.

The blaze on the roof of the Old School House began at around 6pm on Saturday evening, and five crews from Malvern, Upton, Pershore, and Worcester rushed to the village.

Ladders and a crane was used by firefighters to reach the roof, which was brought under control after a few hours.

Police later tweeted that no one was injured, but urged motorists to avoid the area in the village - the road reopening at around 11.30pm.

Yesterday, police had cordoned off entrances to the site. Police vehicles and the crane used was still at the scene.

A resident living in Stenhall Close, near to site, told the Worcester News she was one of those who called 999.

“We smelt smoke, but initially thought it was a bonfire as there often are around here,” she said.

“We went outside and could see blowing embers coming from the roof above the trees, so we called the police.”

Villagers told us the historic school house, a listed building, had been derelict for at least 10 years. Prior to that it was used at various times as a nightclub, a country club and wedding venue, and a hotel.

Glyn Harris, a resident who lives on the A38 near to the site, said: “We arrived back from a holiday in Wales at about 12.30am, but the smell of oil and burning was still in the air.

“In the last year they have started making repairs to the building, the part that was damaged looks to be new roof.”

A change of use application was submitted to Malvern Hills planning authority earlier in the year for part of the school house, Cedar Lodge and Coventry Barn, to be converted into two homes. Attempts to contact the applicant, Barry Dinsdale, proved unsuccessful.

Severn Stoke villager Ailynne Hadley said: “I remember going to the Old School House as a child and have fond memories of being taught there.

“It has been derelict for 10 years. The fire is such as shame, and we were so pleased to see work beginning to restore it.”

On Facebook, Kate Cody wrote: “How sad. We used to go a lot in the early nineties when it was a restaurant. 

“Happy times spent there.”

Bev Lane added: “So sad lots of happy memories of work and play.”