A man has been charged with arson following a property fire in Builth Wells, police have confirmed.
David Fraser Taylor, 66, from Lion Lane, Builth Wells, has been charged with ‘arson, reckless as to whether life was endangered’.
Lion Lane near The Lion Hotel in Builth Wells has remained shut following the property fire in the early hours of October 3, with the building so badly damaged it will require demolition.
Taylor appeared at Merthyr Magistrates Court on Friday, October 15 and was remanded in custody to appear at Merthyr Crown Court on the November 12.
A statement from Dyed Powys Police said scene preservation duties were continuing, and police and fire officers will carry out a joint investigation of the premises to establish a cause of the fire when it is safe to do so.
"Due to concerns over the safety of a structure following the fire in the early hours of Sunday 3rd October 2021, a cordon will remain in place for a number of weeks to allow specialist contractors to safely demolish the building," said a spokesperson.
"It is not blocking the traffic flow on the main road (A483) but there is limited access to Lion Lane. An assessment of the property showed the building was structurally unsafe meaning it would need to be safely pulled down."
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