Blaze wrecks Scouthead pub

GUTTED . . . the shell of the Star Inn pictured this morning after the fire.

AN HISTORIC Saddleworth pub has been gutted by fire.

A blaze ripped through the Star Inn, Scouthead, at 9pm yesterday, destroying much of the interior.

Fire fighters had to battle against strong winds and remained at the seven-bedroom Inn at the junction of Platting Road an Oldham Road until 1am.

The pub, once a favourite with tourists and boasting stunning Pennine views, has been empty for more than five years.

It was bought by local entrepreneur Charles Brierley three years ago. He also owns the White Hart, Lydgate, and the Dinnerstone, Uppermill.

Fire investigation and CID officers were due to visit the scene this morning to establish the cause of the fire which is believed to be deliberate.

At its height, 17 firefighters tackled the flames and a hydraulic platform was used.

Crew Commander Tony Green from Oldham Fire Station said: “The high winds were driving the fire inside. It was quite tricky and quite ferocious at its peak.”

The Star Inn is said to have been built 985ft above sea level in the early 1800s.

It catered for carriers and passenger coaches on the new turnpike road.