BACK in November 2011 the County Gazette reported on a massive fire which devastated a derelict mansion house.

Police feared it was started deliberately.

At its height, over 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the historic Grade II listed Sandhill Park in Bishops Lydeard.

No one was injured in the fire, which broke out at 3am, but firefighters spent over 12 hours at the scene and had to fetch water from ponds almost a mile away.

Police confirmed that the incident was being treated as arson, leaving the community in shock.

Parish councillor Mike Rigby said: “People in the village are very upset that a big part of our history has been damaged.

“The external parts of the building are largely intact, so I hope this focuses minds on finding some use for it.”

Mr Rigby claimed the site – a former hospital and fire engine museum – was sometimes left insecure and said more could have been done to ensure that the building was safe.

He said: “I’ve been saying this is going to happen for more than a decade.”

It ws believed that the building is owned by an estate management company – but they could not be reached for comment.

A Taunton Deane Council spokesman said: “The council has worked with the owner of Sandhill Park to ensure the ongoing security of this important listed building.

“Security of the building is the responsibility of the owner, who has responded positively to concerns about unauthorised access.”