Bailey Mill in Delph destroyed by huge blaze this afternoon

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

One of Saddleworth’s most iconic mills has been ravaged by fire this afternoon leaving it in a state of almost total destruction.

Firefighters were called to Bailey Mill in Delph shortly after 3.00pm following reports the derelict seven-storey building was on fire.

Four fire appliances and an aerial appliance were sent to the scene and on arrival firefighters found the mill well alight.

Large parts of the roof and internal structures soon began to collapse due to the ferocity of the blaze, resulting a number of residents being evacuated from their homes as the building became unsafe.

Various images of the blaze

Station Manager Bob Pownell, who is in charge of the incident, said: “The building is ablaze and firefighters are working hard to tackle the fire using an aerial appliance, ground monitors and jets.

“Crew members are tackling the fire from a safe distance as the structure of the building is unsafe and around half of it has collapsed.”

A number of roads in the area were closed and tonight Delph New Road and Huddersfield Road still remain closed in both directions.

Some residents are still unable to return to their homes and arrangements have been put in place by Oldham Council to accommodate them.

It is expected that firefighters will remain on the scene for a number of days carrying out salvage and damping down operations.

Bailey Mill was built in 1863, with a further three additions added later, the mill has been empty for a number of years since it closed in 1996 and its future has always remained uncertain – it is now thought the building will have to be completely demolished.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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