MORE than 30 firefighters are tackling a large blaze in Bolton town centre.

The fire broke out at the Shakespeare Foundry just before 3.15pm, giving off plumes of smoke that are visible across Bolton and parts of Bury.

The ground floor, first floor and roof of the three-story building in Salop Street were affected by the fire.

Police have cordoned off the area as crews fight to bring it under control — and are urging motorists to the avoid the area.

At least six fire engines were sent to the scene, including an aerial platform.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are working to get the blaze under control.

"We are working with United Utilities and Greater Manchester Fire Service and cordons have been put in place.

"We would ask motorists to avoid the area.

"We will be on the scene for some time and are asking people to help us while we tackle the blaze."

She said no cause had been established as efforts were being concentrated on bring the fire under control.

The Bolton News:

Bolton Urban Outreach is next door to the foundry, and 13 people were evacuated from the premises after noticing smoke coming into the ladies' toilets from next door.

Chief executive Dave Baguley said: "The smoke wasn't enough to set off the smoke alarms, but then someone from the foundry knocked on to tell us there was a fire.

"We moved the vehicles from the area, and as we got out the fire brigade arrived - they got here very quickly.


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"The fire chief inspected the building and it's okay but there is great sadness for our neighbours who are our friends - they are good people and it is a great shame what has happened.

"Arrangements have been made to deliver food tonight and tomorrow to those who need it."

Crowds gathered on the scene to watch as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Christopher Bywater, aged 24, said: "I was travelling on the bus from Rochdale to Bolton and saw the smoke from Radcliffe.

"At first I thought it was my friend's unit but it wasn't .

"There was a lot of smoke."

The Bolton News:

Peter Fairchild, aged 74, who lives in Hilden Street, The Haulgh, said: "I was sat out in the garden enjoying the sun and thought it was cloudy over and it was going to start raining.

"When I looked over the fence I saw it was smoke."

Shakespeare Foundry, which was established in 1982, specialises in making heat-resistant steel plates for the cement and mining industries.

The Bolton News:

The Bolton News: