Earl mill blaze probe

TWENTY fire fighters spent several hours tackling a blaze at a Hather-shaw Mill.

They were called to the fire in the second floor of four-storey Earl Mill, Dowry Street, at 4pm yesterday and worked until 10pm. Crews stayed at the site overnight to dampen down and make the area safe.

The fire, which damaged stock in the mill, is under investigation.

In July, the Chronicle revealed how the mill, owned by Goyt Properties, was set to be transformed into an exciting new media centre.

Plans had been submitted to turn it into a base for Channel O Media, an internet-based TV station for Oldham, broadcasting its own programmes.

It was hoped that Channel O would create a positive new image for Oldham and provide jobs for local people.

Last year more than £38,000 was spent cleaning up the building as part of regeneration plans for the area.

In the past the mill has been used as a barracks and demob centre and once housed Burlington’s mail- order business.