Mill inferno

RAGING ... the blaze rips through Bailey Mill. Picture: Justine Potter

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A POLICE chief has praised villagers evacuated from their homes threatened by a devastating blaze at an historic mill.

Flames consumed the seven-storey derelict building only a few hundred yards from homes in Delph.

No-one was hurt in the drama which saw teams of firefighters tackle the inferno as police, and Oldham Council support officers, escorted worried householders, including the elderly and children, away from the scene.

The incident happened at around 3pm when Bailey Mill, a landmark building near Delph crossroads, was shrouded in dense plumes of smoke which blanketed surrounding villages.

The fire, fanned by the breeze, tore through the building and open casements, with violent,cracking explosions as timber beams and fixtures were consumed by the firestorm and internal walls collapsed.

Part of the mill's corrugated roof was ripped off and one terrified passer-by said: "The area looked like a war zone."

Homeowners on Station Approach and surrounding properties were escorted from the scene by police and PCSOs before nearby Delph New Road was cordoned off to traffic.

Due to the intense heat, firefighters doused the walls of some houses nearest to the mill with water as a precaution.

The main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield Road had a police roadblock overnight as firefighters on standby feared walls could collapse.

But Inspector Karen Taylor, from Royton who headed up the GMP operation, said: "I have nothing but praise for the residents.

"They were marvellous. Not one of them complained and they were all very grateful to the emergency services."

Inspector Taylor revealed the vanguard of officers who arrived the scene had spearheaded rescue operations at the Shaw gas blast four years ago.

"They are a great team," she said proudly. "They took control and ensured everyone ­- including residents' pets ­- were shepherded to safety.

"The whole community pulled together. There was a wonderful spirit even when some residents were told they could not return to their homes overnight. But they were allowed to collect medication and other essentials.

"Locals offered the displaced families beds for the night and the team at the Old Bell Inn also helped."

Sergeant Steve Hill, the supervising officer, said more than 20 officers and PCSOs were on the scene with some directing traffic to other routes avoiding the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield Road.

GMFRS station manager and incident commander, Bob Pownell, said more than 30 firefighters from Oldham, Hollins, Stalybridge and Hyde tackled the blaze before it was brought under control after more than three hours.

He said : "Two aerial appliances, ground monitors and jets were used and we remain at the scene tackling the fire from a safe distance as the structure is unsafe and around half has collapsed."

The flames began to die down after 6pm and fire officers worked overnight to ensure site safety and assess the damage.

Father-of-three Richard Flitcroft (41,) who lives on Station Approach, said: "Everyone helped out. There was real concern over the elderly."

Neighbour Mark Wiggins said his wife and three sons would be staying with friends.

"The way folk rallied round round has been wonderful," he said.

Police took some bewildered residents to the Old Bell Inn who provided refreshments.

Owner Phil Whiteman said:"My team and guests ensured everyone was looked after."

Several roadblocks were still in place today along Delph New Road with diversions operating.

A GMFRS spokesman said: "The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Last year, the Chronicle reported how Bailey Mill was due to be demolished ­- probably in favour of housing ­- despite opposition from conservationists.

Objectors at the time said demolition of the 19th century mill would damage the character of the conservation area. No formal scheme has yet been submitted to redevelop the site.

A condition on previous proposals - which fell through because of a downturn in the economy - to redevelop the site said demolition should be approved only if houses would be built there.

The Ancient Monuments Society, the Victorian Society, the 20th Century Society, and the Council for British Archaeology all object to demolition.

Demolition was approved subject to a bat survey being carried out, consideration of the impact on the green belt, and that any development must be in keeping with surrounding buildings.

Last night, Katie Mallalieu (34) said the mill was built by her great great-great-grandfather, David and Henry, before it passed to her grandfather Frank and, in turn her father David.

The former teacher, who left to join the family business two years ago, said: "It's heartbreaking to lose something after 153 years. I've had a good cry."

Police urged anyone who has any information surrounding the mill blaze to contact them by calling 101.

Check video of the blaze (shot by reader Emma Linney) here: