THERE are fears that other historic buildings in Swindon are fire hazards after the blaze at the former Locarno and Town Hall buildings.

Martha Parry, co-ordinator of the Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust, said: "The Trust has been worried that this very thing would happen to the Mechanics.

"We know that children have been going in and out of empty and derelict buildings, such as the Locarno and Mechanics', because they are simply not secure enough."

"We have decided to install webcams that will be trained on the Mechanics' so everyone can watch out for its safety, live on the internet.

"Each webcam will cost about £200 and we hope to mount up to three around the premises in the next few weeks.

"We will be having talks with residents, pub owners and the council to find out the best way to go about it.

"I very much regret what has happened at the Locarno, but it just goes to show the reality of our fears.

"This is why we keep such a watchful eye on the Mechanics."