A derelict former factory site labelled an "eyesore" has been hit by its ninth fire in nine years.

Firefighters were called to the former Fisons factory in Paper Mill Lane in Bramford just before midnight on June 2. 

The site has reported nine fires since 2014, with the largest incident occurring in May 2019 when the Grade II-listed "North Warehouse" was destroyed. 

Ipswich Star: The burnt shell of the former Fisons factory in Bramford in 2021, NewsquestThe burnt shell of the former Fisons factory in Bramford in 2021, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said a fire crew from Princes Street were called out at 11.10pm on Friday night to a small fire that was quickly extinguished.

READ MORE: 'So dangerous' - shock as intruders risk lives at fire-ravaged factory

Campaigner Kelvin Dakin said that nearby residents recently spotted people attending the site, including squatters and youngsters flying their drones, using the site as a "playground".  

Ipswich Star: Kelvin Dakin, a long time campaigner for the site, NewsquestKelvin Dakin, a long time campaigner for the site, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

He added: "I think the previous fires were all deliberate. Certainly, there are no processes going on there anymore, so there’s no reason for a fire to occur unless somebody starts it. 

"I initially started off campaigning to try and save the deteriorating old North Warehouse, which was finally burned down in 2019. 

"It was the biggest fire that ever occurred there, and since then, the site has just laid derelict. 

"It’s a terrible waste of a site that could be used for something." 

Mr Dakin added that the site is "a loss of history" and an eyesore for the residents. 

Ipswich Star: The inferno engulfs the former Fisons Factory at Bramford, photo from May 2019, NewsquestThe inferno engulfs the former Fisons Factory at Bramford, photo from May 2019, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

In 2014 the developers' plans for 170 homes on the site were approved by Mid Suffolk District Council, but the project has not been developed. 

A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council said that although the council does not own the site, nor is responsible for it, they have been involved in trying to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the local community, encouraging the landowners to keep the site secure and safe. 

They added, "We offer advice and support over potential development options. However, no planning application for its future development has yet been submitted. 

"Any of the listed structure remaining standing was sadly so fire-damaged that it needed to be demolished in order to eliminate the risk of potential collapse.   

"However, we issued a notice on the landowner which meant they needed to comply with certain conditions to ensure any remaining local heritage could be preserved." 
A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We regularly work with property owners across the county, advising on the protection of buildings and fire prevention.

"We will always be ready to respond to emergency 999 calls when a fire is reported.”