The historic Anchor Hotel, which featured in the first episode of BBC TV comedy Dad's Army, has suffered two arson attacks in less than a month.

Firefighters had to rescue three people from the building on April 16 and spent half an hour dealing with a small blaze in a fireplace
Fire crews were also called on March 19, to rescue two people inside the 18th century building, which has been boarded up for more than two years.

Thetford fire station manager Duncan Ashworth said: "It's a continuing situation where people are getting into the building and lighting fires in the fireplace to keep themselves warm.

"The public then see smoke coming from the building and put in a call to us, which is, of course, the right thing to do. The inside of the building is not a very pleasant place to be and is a risk to us every time we enter."

Mr Ashworth said the fire service was in talks with the police, arson reduction officers, environmental health and other agencies to find a solution to the problem. Meetings with officials from Hertford-based developer Zog II, which owns the Anchor Hotel, have also been held.

Zog II has submitted plans to Breckland Council to redevelop the site into a courtyard shopping and flats development.

Dave Farrow, arson reduction officer, said he had advised representatives of the owners on the best ways to secure the building.
Mr Farrow said he had suggested using metal sheets on the windows and doors and to make better use of CCTV.

"There have been lots and lots of problems down there and we have been trying to work with the company for some time now. Unfortunately it hasn't been implementing the measures we have been requesting.

"Our frustration at the situation is that every time our fire crew is called to the Anchor we have to assume someone is inside and we have to commit personnel into the building, which puts their own lives at risk.

As a service we have done everything possible (to try to get the building secured).

Stuart Wright, chairman of the Thetford Society and a town councillor, said: "It is disappointing we can't keep the site secure until we know what's going to happen to it.

"I would have thought the owners were obliged to make it safe and secure.

"It should be boarded off properly and tidied up as it's one of the main entrances to the town and doesn't look very good when people arrive on buses. There are other vacant buildings in other towns and they seem to be able to be kept secure."

Zog II refused to comment on the situation.