Part of Lodge Mill had been transformed into a riverside ice-cream parlour
The fire service working at the scene(Image: Carl Haslam, GMFRS Station Commander for Farnworth and Bolton North fire stations)
Local residents and business owners in Middleton have expressed their sadness after a devastating fire ripped through a historic mill.
Firefighters began tackling the enormous blaze at Lodge Mill on Townley Street in the town just before 6am on Sunday (March 29).
Videos of the scene show towering flames engulfing the building and ripping through the roof. People living nearby reported hearing a series of loud bangs and explosions.
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The former silk and cotton mill, which dates back to around 1850 and is thought to be the oldest mill in Middleton, suffered another fire in 2021 which engulfed the back part of the building.
But the part which remained in tact had been refurbished as an events space and picturesque ice-cream parlour serving locally-made ice cream, next to the River Irk.
The Ice Cream Shop at Lodge was run by locals Martin Cove and Paula Hickey, who are believed to have spent a number of years renovating the site, and have received dozens of supportive messages on social media in the wake of the fire.
The mill on fire(Image: Carl Haslam, GMFRS Station Commander for Farnworth and Bolton North fire stations)
“I’ve just woke up to the heart-breaking news that Lodge Mill has been on fire,” wrote the landlord of local pub the Britannia Inn on Facebook. “Martin and Paula who own Lodge Mill are two local people and my friends.
“They’ve put everything in to that mill. Worked relentlessly on it. They love the mill and worked everyday, day in day out with dreams of transforming that part of town.
“They’ve just had all new windows put in that were custom made. Had it all pointed, solar panels on the roof. I’m so gutted for them.
“We need more people like Martin and Paula who not only want our town to be better but actually do stuff to make it happen.”
Local councillor for the Middleton Independents Party Keeley O’Mara shared a similar message of support for the pair. “I would like to say to Paula & Martin at The Ice Cream Shop at Lodge my heart goes out to you this morning,” she wrote on Facebook.
Fire crews working at the mill today(Image: Gary Oakley)
“You have poured your hearts and soul into this building and community hub. If you need any assistance or support please get in touch, I will do my upmost to help you.”
Local Labour candidate Kathryn Bromfield also wrote in a Facebook message that she was ‘devastated by the news. “Really worried for all the businesses and hope all are okay especially the guys at Lodge Mill,” she wrote.
“Please try to let the emergency services do their thing and let’s hope it’s better than it looks.”
Fire crews remain at the scene this afternoon with officers working to dampen down hot spots.
A number of neighbouring roads remain closed on Old Hall Street and Market Place, and local residents are advised to keep their doors and windows shut.