Mill owner must clear path for fire crew

VANCE MILLER: owner of the still-smouldering mill

ANOTHER notice has been served on business man Vance Miller as smoke from the Maple Mill inferno continues to plague residents.

Fire is still smouldering a month after the huge blaze burned the Hathershaw mill to the ground.

Residents complained about the Rock Solid Kitchens boss. They are irritated by continuing smoke from the site and fear a repeat blaze at a sister mill.

Oldham Council responded with a series of measures to try to ensure Mr Miller made the site safe.

A notice requiring Mr Miller to damp down the fire to abate the smoke has now been withdrawn and replaced by a new one stating that he has to move sufficient rubble and debris so fire-fighters can get access to finally extinguish the flames. He has 21 days to respond. Previous notices have ordered Mr Miller to install a fence and improve the appearance of remaining parts of the mill.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed to ensure the concerns are known and appropriate action can be taken, if necessary.

Council cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: “We are continually monitoring the situation.

“The purpose of this new order is to ensure that action is taken both to minimise this inconvenience for them and to reduce the ongoing impact on the local community.”

A diesel generator at the seat of the fire has been impounded but investigations are on-going into the cause. Mr Miller wants to rebuild on the site.