Maybush: Firefighters tackle blaze at Bridge Tavern pub

The Bridge Tavern on Coxford Road has been empty for more than 15 years, and fire crews rushed to the abandoned building after reports of a fire.

Firefighters were alerted to the incident after being told flames were visible on the first floor of the old watering hole.

Crews from St Mary's, Redbridge, Hightown and Eastleigh attended at 8pm.

Posting on Facebook about the fire, Shirley Labour councillors said: "We are sorry to see that the Old Bridge Tavern on Coxford has been set alight again.

"Thank you to our emergency services who have the fire under control.

"We know that many have issues and concerns about this site. We will be actively working to find out what the plans for the site are in light of this situation." 

READ MORE: Derelict pub at centre of suspected arson is 'zone for anti-social behaviour'

Part of the road was cordoned off as the firefighters used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire.

The stop message was eventually issued at 10.30pm with the road reopening shortly after.

The pub has been closed since 2007 and remained bordered up for years before plans to redevelop the building were eventually submitted in 2021.

The application wanted the demolish the pub to turn the land into 15 flats, but in 2022, the old watering hole was branded a 'zone for anti-social behaviour' after a string of fire-related incidents.

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At least three engines and an aerial ladder platform were used to tackle the fire. (Image: Supplied)

One resident spoke to the Echo in 2022 about crime in the area but wanted to stay anonymous out of fear of being targeted.

They said: “In its day it was a thriving pub but for some reason people have been getting in recently and doing a lot of damage.

“Kids going in with axes and machetes.”