Police probe into ‘arson’ at Bacup mill site (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Police probe into ‘arson’ at Bacup mill site
6:39pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Bacup
TACKLING BLAZE Firefighters at the scene Picture: David Greenwood
A SUSPECTED arson attack is being investigated by police at a former mill in the centre of Bacup yesterday.
Up to 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at Irwell Mill, home to the former Taylor and Hargreaves factory in Lee Street, from 3.15pm.
The nearby Bacup Health Centre had to be evacuated, including a GP surgery, district nurses, treatment room and dental and podiatry services.
Fire crews from Bacup, Rawtenstall and Burnley were later joined by an aerial platform ladder from Hyndburn.
Watch manager Chris Howarth said: “The mill was derelict and has been completely destroyed.
“Firefighters on an aerial ladder platform had to take the tiles off one by one so we could tackle the fire from above. We’re treating the fire as suspicious at this time. It’s not the first time that we’ve been called here.
“I’d like to get the message out that if this fire has been started deliberately, then it’s tying up resources, and could have a massive impact on the community if there was another fire in the area.
“The people doing it are also putting their own lives at risk.”
Yesterday scorch marks could be seen against the rear of Bacup Medical Centre, but crews were confident that no other damage had been caused to that building.
A Lancashire Police spokesman confirmed last night that a cordon had been put in place around the scene and an investigation was under way.
No clinics were held at the health centre last night and patients are being advised to contact reception on 01706 235425 for a guide to services today.
The site has been the subject of intense speculation in Bacup as land there has been earmarked as a possible home for a new Morrison’s supermarket.
Taylor and Hargreaves, which was involved in preparing and spinning textile fibres, went bust in 1999 after a 77-year history in the valley.
The remainder of Irwell Mill was transformed into the town’s medical centre several years ago.
living the end times in BB1 says...
8:35pm Mon 30 Jan 12
Thats one hell of a big ladder..!