'Selfish' drivers ignore one-way after major fire

Police have issued a warning to "selfish and dangerous" drivers who are "blatantly" ignoring one-way signs after a major fire in a town centre.

A man died in the blaze in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, on 8 December and some road closures are still in place in the town centre.

Cumbria Police said several cars had been driving the wrong way up Mitchelgate, with one of the vehicles mounting the pavement in front of a family.

Three shops and some apartments opposite the Red Dragon pub were destroyed in the fire, which required 75 firefighters to bring under control.

Shop owner Ben Taylor, 45, died in the blaze which tore through buildings on Main Street, where he lived, at about 05:45 GMT.

Several roads remain closed in the town centre.

A police spokesman said comments about the road layout should be directed to Westmorland Furness Council "who have already put significant effort into reducing the impact of the nearby road closure".

Thousands of pounds have been raised to help those affected by the blaze, after the formation of the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Fund.

A service to celebrate Mr Taylor's life is due to be held at Beetham Hall Crematorium, near Milnthorpe, on 30 December.

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