Mill-fire help for residents

COUNCIL chiefs have taken action to help residents still plagued by smoke from the Maple Mill inferno.

More than three weeks after the huge blaze burned the Hathershaw mill to the ground, pockets of fire continue to smoulder.

At a meeting last week, residents voiced complaints about controversial owner Vance Miller, raising concerns that the fire could be repeated at a sister mill and how they are being choked by the smoke.

Oldham Council has launched a series of measures, including ordering Mr Miller to make the site safe.

Officers have served notices telling him to limit the escape of smoke by introducing extra damping down measures, including extra hosepipe and water supplies to the site.

He has also been ordered to clear the rubble from the site, erect a fence and improve the appearance of remaining parts of the mill structure.

Mr Miller, who runs Rock Solid Kitchens from the two mills, has two days to respond to the actions outlined.

Local groups have written to the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that their concerns are known and the appropriate actions taken if necessary.

Air quality monitoring tests confirmed there was no evidence of asbestos particles in the smoke.

Council assistant executive director John Eley said: “The use of these legal powers is standard practice in these circumstances.”

Portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: “The problems with smoke coming from the site have been a nuisance for near-by residents for some time now and the purpose of the order is to hopefully ensure that action is taken to minimise this inconvenience.

“The fire has burned for longer than fire crews expected but our priority now is to reduce its on-going impact.”

A diesel generator at the seat of the fire has been impounded but investigations are on-going into the cause. Mr Miller has sent a letter to residents apologising for any distress. He states that he wants to redevelop the site.