THE owners of Newport's former art college say they are doing all they can to keep people out of the building after another fire broke out yesterday.

A woman had to be rescued from the arson-plagued building and a search was launched when it was feared six other people were inside, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Argus.

At around 12.15pm yesterday firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched all the rooms in the Victorian building which last week won planning permission to be turned into luxury flats.

But only the woman, thought to be in her forties, was in the building when the fire broke out, and she was treated at the scene for smoke inhilation. Architect Michael Merritt, who represents the property owners First Invest and Finance, said: "We are very disappointed this has happened and we hope action can be taken to get planning conditions finalised quickly so we can get on with the project."

He said the owners had done all they could to secure the building and stop people trespassing inside.

The new plans include 63 one- and two-bedroom flats with a communal swimming-pool, gym and sauna.

Newport city council has approved the transformation of the fire-damaged building in Clarence Place, although details have to be finalised.

Police cordoned off the area to pedestrians and closed the junction with Rodney Road while the first- floor fire was tackled.

Steve Doel, station commander at Malpas fire station, said: "We had the building searched thoroughly but no further people were found.

"We are working to establish the cause of this fire that was contained within one room."

He said fire crews from Malpas, Maindee, Duffryn and Cwmbran were called to assist with the search.

Firefighters had to leaver off wooden panels and knock through a bricked-up doorway to gain entry.

Barbara Hustler, who owns the Danceland shop , opposite the building, said: "Someone came a fortnight ago and bolted up the windows on the ground floor, but it obviously hasn't stopped them getting in."