The Stalybridge Mill which was devastated by fire over the weekend is being treated as a potential crime scene and could take at least six weeks to be demolished
Although most of the fire is now extinguished, the root of the fire is deeply embedded in layers of rubble so it will only be fully extinguished as demolition work takes place.
Demolition, which is being carried out in close consultation with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police, is already underway but is expected to take at least five to six weeks.
A strict cordon is in place for the safety of the public – residents, businesses, pedestrians and motorists are urged to comply with the cordon so as not to put the safety of themselves or others at risk.
As a precaution all nearby residents and businesses are advised to continue to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent any smoke from the remaining fire from entering their homes.
Tameside Council is proactively identifying and contacting businesses in the vicinity to keep them updated and GMP have deployed police community support officers to the area to liaise with and reassure local people.
All operations from the Council depot on Tameside Street – including waste/recycling collections and winter gritting – are continuing as normal. Stagecoach now have full access to the nearby bus depot and have been able to continue a full service throughout the incident.
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “We wish to extend our thanks to those who worked extremely hard in very challenging conditions to bring the fire under control and to ensure the safety of the public, particularly Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
“The demolition is going to take several weeks and it is essential that during this time people continue to comply with the safety cordons – the remaining structure is extremely dangerous and we don’t anyone to put themselves or others at risk.”
