FIREFIGHTERS were called after a fire broke out close to a pub building.

Crews attended the site of The Stork Inn on Main Street, Billinge after reports of a fire on Thursday evening.

The blaze was in a detached garage on the site and did not involve the main public house building.

St Helens Star:

Pic: Ian Bonnell

Firefighters attended at 7.45pm and were on scene for almost 45 minutes.

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A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "Firefighters were called to Main Street, Billinge, on Thursday, April 29 following reports of a fire close to the Stork Inn.

"Crews were alerted at 7.45pm and two fire engines were sent to the scene.

"On arrival crews found a fire involving a detached garage. The public house itself was not involved in the fire."

St Helens Star:

Pic: Ian Bonnell

She added: "Firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire and left the scene at 8.29pm."

The Star reported earlier this year that plans are in the pipeline to develop the Stork Inn into apartments, with residents and councillors expressing opposition to the proposals.

St Helens Star:

Pic: Ian Bonnell