TWO Winsford teenagers have appeared in court charged with arson, after a fire ripped through a former bingo hall in the town.

The teenagers, aged 17 and 18, are alleged to have committed arson on February 7, 2021 by setting a fire at the bingo hall on Dingle Lane.

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are also charged with causing more than £5,000 worth of damage to the building.

Appearing in Crewe Magistrates’ Court on March 31, the 17-year-old pleaded not guilty to the offence and the 18-year-old gave no indication.

The case has now been sent up to Chester Crown Court, with the pair’s next hearing on April 28.

At its height, eight fire engines attended the fire on Dingle Lane last year.

Residents were evacuated from nearby homes, while households in Dingle Lane and Dene Drive were advised to keep their windows closed.

A number of road closures were in place and fire crews remained at the scene for several hours.