Arson threat reassurances

The Star reported on Saturday how more than 25 terrified residents on the Fitzwilliam Estate at Swinton were evacuated in the early hours after arsonists set fire to a derelict property.

Almost 30 firefighters battled to prevent the flames spreading, and today police are investigating who started the blaze.

Some tenants said they were under siege from gangs of yobs who regularly set wheelie bins alight. One said a blazing mattress had been piled against her door just a week ago.

They claim to have told Rotherham Council of their worries, but say nothing has been done.

Tenant Dawn Ashworth, 40, who was evacuated with her partner and 14-year-old son, said: “This entire block could have gone up.”

But a council spokesman said: "Members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team have a regular presence on and near to the Fitzwilliam Estate and take any reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously."