Firefighters across Herts at hotel blaze

11 November 2010, 17:38 | Updated: 12 November 2010, 17:31

Firefighters from across Hertfordshire have been fighting a large blaze at a disused hotel near Welwyn.

Since around 2.45 today (Thursday), firecrews have been fighting the blaze, which has taken hold of at least a third of the building.

The Clock Hotel near junction 6 of the A1m, has been empty since at least January - and the 2-storey building has seen plans this year to turn it into a care-home.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue say they've brought in crew and equipment from across the county to fight the fire on Link Road including Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hitchin, Harpenden, Baldock and Letchworth, Borehamwood and Watford.

Both of Hertfordshire's ariel ladder platforms are in use at the scene, including the Incident Support Unit and the Mobile Control Room - incharge of crews from 10 fire engines.

Drivers have been told the B656 Link Road between the Junction 6 rbt of the A1m and Codicote Road remains shut for safety and access only for the emergency services.

Traffic for the A1(M) is being diverted via the B197 up to Stevenage.