Hopes for future of fire-hit Breckland Lodge as investigation into blaze continues

The damage can be seen in the roof of the Stag buildings as the fire comes under control. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Smoke could be seen for miles as more than 60 firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze at the Breckland Lodge in Attleborough, which has been a familiar sight to many motorists travelling along the A11 for 35 years.

Guests in Breckland Lodge's 33 rooms, along with staff, were forced to take refuge in the nearby White Lodge as crews from all around Norfolk tried to save as much of the building as they could.

The venue, which employs 80 to 90 staff, had been boasting a full house the night before the fire.

MORE: Bar and restaurant on A11 destroyed after blaze breaks out

The damage can be seen in the roof of the Stag buildings as the fire comes under control. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Workers plan to meet later this week to consider the future of the site. However general manager Colin Kilby has already said: 'It is tragic. The whole building is gone.

'We will be closed for a little while but everything can be rebuilt.'

However he praised the community for the overwhelming messages of support he and his colleagues have already received since firefighters arrived on scene nine minutes after being called at 9.23am yesterday.

Mr Kilby said: 'We are overwhelmed by the messages of support and kind words we have received and we are very thankful.

The damage can be seen in the roof of the Stag buildings as the fire comes under control. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'It is only a building at the end of the day but it is devastating.

MORE: 'It's tragic' - Manager of Breckland Lodge says 'whole building' is destroyed after major fire

'The firefighters worked incredibly hard to save as much of it as they could.'

Graham Negus, who owns the Breckland Lodge with his brother Mervyn, said: 'It is too early to say what is happening but we plan to meet at the end of this week and work towards the future.

Smoke billows out of the Stag at Attleborough as fire fighters fight the fire. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'It is a pretty emotional time for all of us and I am pretty confident we will rebuild it and get it back to what it was.

'The main thing is that everybody is safe and we will get through this together.'

Mervyn Negus was visiting his family in Australia at the time of the fire and is making his way back to the UK.

Graham Negus added the staff would be 'well looked-after' and their wages would still be paid.

Norfolk Fire Service attending to a serious fire at Breckland Lodge. Photo: Norfolk Fire Service (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Norfolk Fire Service attending to the serious fire at Breckland Lodge. Picture: NORFOLK FIRE SERVICE (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Norfolk Fire Service attending to a serious fire at Breckland Lodge. Photo: Norfolk Fire Service (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Breckland Lodge on fire (Image: Harriet Orrell) (Image: Archant)

Breckland Lodge in Attleborough is on fire. Picture NIALL RAY (Image: Archant)

The Stag in Attleborough is on fire (Image: Jordan Appel) (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)

Flames engulfed Breckland Lodge causing extensive damage meaning the restaurant and bar will be closed until further notice. Picture: HARRIET ORRELL (Image: Archant)