Surrey Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a derelict building in Oaken Lane, Claygate, last weekend.

The building, formerly the Oaken Lane Garden Centre, was set on fire between 11pm on Friday, November 27, and 1.10am on Saturday, November 28.

The fire service was alerted by a resident just after 1am and it took fire engines from six crews, including Walton and Painshill, several hours to extinguish it.

The police closed Oaken Lane at both ends while the fire was being dealt with, but a spokesman said although the fire caused “severe damage” to the property, no one had been injured.

Fire services inspected the site again the following morning and police remained at the scene on Saturday evening.

One source said arson was suspected very early on, because of the cold damp weather and the fact there was no power in the building.

The land is currently owned by Rowan Preparatory School in Claygate, but nobody from the school was available to comment.

Nearby Esher Lawn Tennis Club, in Milbourne Lane, recently tried to buy the land to build a new tennis club, but the deal fell through due to the recent economic downturn.

Paul Fielding, club chairman, said he could not yet say whether the fire would prevent the club from trying to buy the land again.

He said: “The purchase of the land has been stalled, but we are still trying to buy it.

“I have absolutely no idea where we stand now, because I haven’t heard from the owners. It is still our intention to move there if we can.”

Claygate Councillor Steve Wells said he hoped the land would be developed in the near future, because of the antisocial behaviour it was attracting in its present state.

He said: “It is a really blighted site and the sooner we can get something on it, the better. It is inviting vandalism and nefarious use.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any further information should call Surrey Police on 0845 1252222, quoting reference EL/09/9690, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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