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Evacuated neighbours go home
Photo Neil Cross The scene of the fire at the former church in Moor Lane, Preston
An elderly woman who was among several neighbours forced to leave their homes after a fierce blaze gutted a nearby church has finally been allowed to move back in.
The pensioner and other residents faced several nights in emergency accommodation after flames tore through the former spiritualist church on Moor Lane, Preston, earlier this week.
The building was condemned after a blaze destroyed its timber beams and led to its partial collapse, on Monday night.
Several nearby properties were evacuated as work to tackle the blaze went on, and residents had to stay away when building inspectors ruled it was not safe. The top of the building and its roof collapsed into the inside, leaving a huge pile of rubble.
But demolition contractors have now deemed the site safe to the public, and allowed neighbours to return to their properties.
Police and fire bosses are still investigating the cause of the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 15 C
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Wind direction: North west
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