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4 February 2011
Last updated at 04:40 ET
A police and fire inquiry is under way after smoke from a blaze forced 100 people from their homes in Flintshire.
Five fire crews have been tackling the blaze at Shotton Lane Social Club since the early hours.
No injuries have been reported but some people living nearby have taken shelter at Deeside Leisure Centre.
The Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society has had an offer accepted to buy the property, which it said it planned to turn into a multi-cultural centre.
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The fire alarm was raised shortly after 0400 GMT.
The fire service sent crews from from Deeside, Flint, Mold, Rhyl, Holywell and Wrexham.
Deeside Leisure Centre manager Mike Walsh said: "There are about 30 people at the leisure centre now, and they're bearing up, lots of other people have made their way to friends and family."
He added: "They're not concerned for their homes and they're being looked after well."
Planning permission
Monchab Ali, chairman of the Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society, said he was "very disappointed" to hear about the fire.
"We had put an offer in which had been accepted. We were talking with the council about changing use and getting planning permission," he said.
"Because of its size it was quite suitable for us.
"It would have been good for the regeneration of the area because the club has been closed since the August. It has been vandalised a few times before.
"We are working with the local council looking for new buildings. We'll just keep looking."
There was a march in Shotton on 22 January by the right-wing English Defence League in protest at plans for the club.
Have you been affected by the Shotton fire? Send us your comments using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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Five fire crews have been tackling the blaze at Shotton Lane Social Club since the early hours.
No injuries have been reported but some people living nearby have taken shelter at Deeside Leisure Centre.
The Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society has had an offer accepted to buy the property, which it said it planned to turn into a multi-cultural centre.
Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
It would have been good for the regeneration of the area because the club has been closed since the August”
End Quote
Monchab Ali
Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society
The fire alarm was raised shortly after 0400 GMT.
The fire service sent crews from from Deeside, Flint, Mold, Rhyl, Holywell and Wrexham.
Deeside Leisure Centre manager Mike Walsh said: "There are about 30 people at the leisure centre now, and they're bearing up, lots of other people have made their way to friends and family."
He added: "They're not concerned for their homes and they're being looked after well."
Planning permission
Monchab Ali, chairman of the Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society, said he was "very disappointed" to hear about the fire.
"We had put an offer in which had been accepted. We were talking with the council about changing use and getting planning permission," he said.
"Because of its size it was quite suitable for us.
"It would have been good for the regeneration of the area because the club has been closed since the August. It has been vandalised a few times before.
"We are working with the local council looking for new buildings. We'll just keep looking."
There was a march in Shotton on 22 January by the right-wing English Defence League in protest at plans for the club.
Have you been affected by the Shotton fire? Send us your comments using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
Powered By WizardRSS