Horwich Loco Works: Police stepped up after ASB incidents

It comes after a fire broke out at one of the storage buildings, which has heritage significance.

The storage building is one of the original buildings built in 1886.

Local councillor Peter Wright says that since the fire he has been contacted by local residents who say there has been a ‘growing number’ of reports around anti-social behaviour.

He said: “I have been down and noticed quite a large police presence.

“Police have been going door to door and speaking to residents.

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“It’s an ongoing investigation at the moment and I don’t know any more details.

“I don’t know if it is connected with the fire.

“We were lucky no one was injured."

Bolton West officers have been carrying out an investigation relating to ASB and have urged residents to get in touch if they have any more information.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Bolton West officers are conducting an investigation into a number of incidents of ASB in and around the loco works area of Horwich. 

“This instance is damage to a roof and windows on the industrial estate on Chorley New Road with CCTV being reviewed.

Fire services on the scene of a fire (Image: NQ)

“Can anyone with any information contact 101 using reference CRI/06KK/0018867/23.”

Cllr Wright says that there will be a meeting next month with ward councillors, parish councillors and developers to discuss the future of the building, as well as an update on the Rivington Chase development.

As it stands, councillors are waiting on a report from a roof surveyor to see what needs to happen next for the building and for Horwich Foodshare – which he runs.

He said: “At the moment we [Horwich Foodshare] are in an adjoining building with quite a flat, arched roof, and there is a survey to look at the roof on the storage building.

“We need to see if it is a danger to the public and if it needs to come down completely or partially because the roof is badly damaged.

“So, we will see what the results are from that.”

Despite the uncertainty of the foodbank Cllr Wright is hopeful that they will be able to find a new premises if needed.

He said: “We are a small independent community foodbank, so we are used to finding premises, and there are a lot of people willing to help.

“It’s just one of those things.”

Over the weekend a teenager was arrested on suspicion of arson and burglary after a fire at a historical Bolton building last month, police say.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP)  arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the fire at Horwich Loco Works on June 17 this year.

The boy was arrested after the car window of a security guard at the site was found smashed and an alarm was set off there today.

He remains in police custody for questioning.

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