AN INVESTIGATION into the cause of a fire in a former school in Llandudno Junction has started.

Two classrooms in the former Ysgol Nant y Coed have been damaged.

A spokesperson for North Wales Fire and Rescue service said: “We were called out at 1905 on Monday evening to a derelict school on Ronald Avenue, Llandudno Junction.

“We sent two crews from Llandudno, one from Colwyn Bay and one from Conwy to tackle the fire.

“There was 40 square metres of damage to one classroom and the fire had spread though the roof void into a second classroom.

“Investigations have started into the cause of the fire.”

Gareth Pritchard, who was headmaster of Ysgol Nant y Coed between 1984 and 1999 said: “The school was a happy place and I have happy memories of it. I’m saddened to see what has now happened to it, especially after being headmaster for 15 years.”

He said the school closed in 2016 and has been boarded up.

Cllr Mike Priestley, who represents the area on Conwy town council said: “I understand there was extensive fire and water damage to classrooms in the school.

“If the investigation discovers the fire was started deliberately, I am very keen those responsible are brought to justice because firefighters lives were put at risk by having to search the smoke filled building while it was ablaze to see if anyone was inside.

“One of my concerns is there will now be a rush by Conwy council to dispose of the site without much thought about its future use other than to sell it for yet more housing which we do not want.

“We badly need medical facilities on this site not more houses which would be a burden to the Llandudno Junction community.”