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A significant fire at the historic Big Mill in Leek, Staffordshire, has led to an ongoing cordon while emergency crews work to secure the site. The Grade II listed building was declared structurally unsafe after an assessment on Saturday, raising concerns that parts of it might collapse. Due to safety risks, authorities have warned that the cordon could remain in place for several days as efforts to make the area safe continue.
An 18-year-old individual has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the blaze, which caused the evacuation of a number of local homes. Some residents were permitted to return on Saturday, specifically those living in The Print Works, Belle Vue Road, and Albert Street. However, evacuations remain in place for other areas as officials continue assessing the extent of the damage. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that six crews had initially fought the fire, with four remaining at the scene the following day.
Martin Weaver, group manager with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, described the situation as “still a really challenging incident,” noting the building’s condition as “structurally unsound.” He explained that in partnership with building inspectors, parts of the mill will have to be demolished to reduce hazards, especially given windy conditions which increase the risk of structural collapse. The six-story mill, which dates back to 1860, is one of the town’s earliest large-scale mill buildings and has remained unused since 2007, according to local councillor Bill Cawley.
Community members shared their thoughts on the incident. David Payne, the co-owner of nearby Mill Street Kitchen, kept his café open to support emergency workers. Although the closure of a major local route has impacted his business, he spoke about the strong community spirit in Leek, with people going out of their way to offer support. Former mill worker Linda McTigue expressed sadness over the mill, calling it “an eyesore for a number of years” and urging for action to avoid further deterioration. The building’s owner, Atique Choudhury, said he was “very sad and emotional” about the fire, emphasizing the time and effort invested in the property and noting that English Heritage had identified it for rescue
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