Comedy museum plan up in smoke

Ken Dodd’s plans for a comedy museum in his native Knotty Ash have suffered a devastating blow.

The historic building where he hoped to house the tourist attraction has been hit by a second arson attack, and may now have to be demolished.

Fire swept through the 19th century manor house in the early hours of this morning, causing a large section to collapse.

Firefighters say the buidling could now be too unsafe to be left standing, especially considering an earlier arson attack last November left it weakened.

Dodd has fought for years to save the building, which neighbours his own house.  Locals claimed the council wanted to sell off the building and its five-acre grounds for housing development, even though the council has denied this.

Firefighter Steve Clarke told the Liverpool Echo: "There’s nothing much left of it. A large section of the building has now completely gone. It is a real shame because it was such a nice house."

Published: 4 May 2004