STUNNED residents have responded after the fire at one of the town's most historic sites.

Many across Warrington woke up to the startling news that a fire broke out at the former Mr Smith's nightclub.

But with smoke escaping from the roof of Mr Smith's, one thing remained visible amid the smog - the former club and Ritz cinema has memories which will live on forever.

The Warrington Guardian took to the streets to see how the dramatic events have impacted upon residents.

After waking up to the news, town centre resident Stephen Gaskell, aged 32, struggled to come to terms with what had took place.

"After I found out I have been shocked - it is just crazy," he said.

Brian Morgans, from Woolston, was a regular at Mr Smith's when it operated as a nightclub and despite admitting it was tough to see the damage to the site, he believes it would be beneficial for it to return as a club.

"It used to bring money in when it was Mr Smith's - it gave something to the town," said the 52-year-old.

"It went downhill when they made the opening hours later to around 4am.

"I am sad to see it like this and everyone remembers it but it might force someone to do something about it - I think it should be made back into a club."

Nearby homes and properties were affected by the smoke and Stephen Fenton, who works close to the building, also spoke of his shock.

The 36-year-old said: "I work at BT just around the corner and was on my way to work when my partner rung me and told me about it.

"It is a big surprise. I have been there over the years - there are a lot of memories."

One man with a family connection to the building was Stockton Heath resident Bob Lees.

The 79-year-old's father carried out plastering work on the building when it was built but he now hopes for a youth facility to be brought in.

Bob, who has been to the site countless times over the years, also recalls a certain film he watched in the venue.

"I think they will probably demolish it now," he said.

"I have been there over the years and I remember the last film there, The Towering Inferno I think it was.

"I think they will probably demolish it now. I would like to see something for the younger generation in Warrington."

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington South's Conservative candidate, David Mowat, admits he is unsure of what the damage means for the future of the site and reminisced over his time dancing at Mr Smith's.

"It is sad - a week ago I met the people from the youth club who were looking froward to moving into it and had big plans for it," he said.

"It is too early to know what this means but it seems unlikely now that'll happen, or not for quite a while.

"It looks like a big mess and the roof is down isn't it. There are not many people who have not danced there at some point in their life in their, including me, a long time a go.

"It is a big part of Warrington - I am not sure what it means and whether it will have to be demolished or not."