police are treeating a fire at a partially constructed priimary school in Laneshaw Bridge as arson.
The blaze broke out at 8-47pm on Thursday night when a small quantity of roof panels and insulation which were being stored on a pallet under a canopy at the Emmott Lane site were set on fire.
Firefighters used two hose reels and a thermal imaging camera to deal with the incident.
Work on the £4.5 million new school for the village is well under way. It is due to open after the October half term.
The new school plan saw opinions in the village divided, with letters in this newspaper from supporters and opponents appearing over a period of several weeks.
Coun. Paul White, who represents the village of Pendle Council, was one of the leaders of the campaign for the new school, said: “It is absolutely disgusting that arsonists could have jeopardised the opening of the new school.
“I hope that whoever is responsible is caught and properly punished.
“I will be working with the local police to ensure that patrols are stepped up”.