Residents fear new inferno

STILL damping down, firefighters at the scene of the blaze

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FIRE chiefs are investigating residents’ fears that the causes of a massive mill fire are being repeated.

Furious residents say a diesel generator, surrounded by gas cylinders and red diesel, is now powering Maple Mill 1 — a fortnight after these sparked explosions that burned down Maple Mill 2.

The mill inferno, on April 24, saw 100 firefighters tackling 60ft flames that shot high above Vance Miller’s Rock Solid Kitchen firm in Cardwell Street, Hathershaw.

Firefighters are still extinguishing pockets of fire that are being slowly uncovered by excavators employed by the controversial mill owner to clear the site.

A diesel generator at the seat of the fire has been impounded and investigations into the exact cause and practices at the mill continue.

But around 40 residents yesterday attended a meeting at the Honeywell Centre — organised by council, health, police and fire chiefs to update them — to express concerns that another huge fire is imminent.

One said: “Why has he been allowed to start a generator up at the side of our house and set up gas cylinders? It’s frightening that this could all happen again.”

Another added: “Mill Number 2 has gone. I expressed grave concerns about practices at that mill and about fires there for years and nothing was done. How much longer have we got to wait before Mill 1 goes up? With his practices it will happen.”

Astonishingly, residents claimed cigarette lighters were delivered to the mill during the blaze and were the last of the explosions, while gas cylinders continue to be delivered.

Smoke continues to drift from the site and residents complained people are breathing it in and becoming ill — waking up in the night choking.

There were also concerns over the confusion during the fire with some people told to stay in houses, others told to leave and residents not knowing where to go and concerned they were stood in the street breathing in the fumes.

They wanted to know why workers were allowed in and out but residents were evacuated and not even allowed to park their cars.

The majority of residents say they want to see the back of Mr Miller but he has vowed to rebuild and come back bigger and stronger.

Planning officers say he has made contact about rebuilding but has yet to submit his proposals on paper. But any new building would be subject to stringent planning laws and residents would be consulted.

The fire service was again applauded by residents grateful that they saved their homes.

Station commander Mike Glover said he would investigate the claims of another generator and previous fires at the site. The building had previously met fire regulations.

Chief Inspector Rob Tinsley said he would also look into allegations that mill workers had threatened residents.

Residents were reassured the smoke was not toxic and that asbestos contained in materials will not have been released. But they were advised to keep doors and windows shut and not to enter loft spaces.

Previous mill fires have caused no long-term health effects but people should see their GP or cal NHS Direct if they have concerns.

Environmental health officer John Dinsdale admitted air quality monitoring had not been done but pledged to do it within 12 hours.

Oldham Council assistant executive director John Eley said they would improve communications and evacuation procedures so that residents are kept informed and told when and where to evacuate to and given time to prepare to leave.

Mr Miller’s spokesman said that she was not aware of a new diesel generator but said most of the residents’ concerns was “far-fetched tittle-tattle.”

Mr Miller has sent a letter to residents saying how distressed he was by the fire and apologising for any distress or inconvenience it caused them. He wants to rebuild the site but is unsure for what purpose and wants to include facilities to help residents.

She added: “There are no dodgy practices here. We know it’s not to the residents’ liking we had generators on site but it’s not illegal.

“If he is aware of problems he will do something about them. He does not want to fall out with residents and wants everyone to get along.

“Some residents are out to throw stones regardless of what the truth is. Vance did not start this fire and it’s very unfortunate it happened.”