Firefighters were called to a small fire on a derelict site which will eventually be developed into 227 flats.

Two crews from Watford were called to the former Watford Laundry site Sydney Road in the west of the town at around 8.45pm on Friday and found a small fire in the roof.

The flames were quickly extinguished and the scene was made safe by 9.30pm.

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Developer Weston Homes says a small, smouldering piece of timber was found in the derelict building which is believed to be the cause of the fire.

A neighbour reported this was the second fire since the site shut down. In light of Friday's incident, Weston Homes says steps will be taken to ensure it is not repeated.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Although Weston Homes have acquired the Watford Laundry Factory site, the company has not yet taken over possession for the construction of the new development. We currently have a principal contractor on site carrying out demolition and other site cleaning activities.

"Due to the exceptionally hot weather at the end of last week there was a small smouldering piece of timber in the current derelict building, which is due for demolition. The fire brigade cut a padlock, gained access and dealt with the incident. The incident was minor enough to be put out by hand.

"Weston Homes have the highest site safety standards and regulations and further to this incident an investigation will be undertaken to ensure that an incident like this is not repeated whilst demolition of the remaining redundant structures is taking place."

The £85m scheme will see 227 apartments created alongside a separate Sydney Road development of 278 homes.

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An artist's impression of the Weston Homes development