Fire crews rush to blaze at derelict pub in Bolton

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Fire crews raced to a blaze at a disused and derelict pub in Bolton on Monday afternoon. The flames broke out at the former Churchill's Pub on Manchester Road, in Bolton, shortly before 3.30pm (June 20).

Police cordoned off the road as fire crews remained in attendance for a number of hours. Due to congestion from the closure, drivers were urged by the fire service to find alternate routes.

Manchester Road, close to Bolton Police Station, was closed off between Orlando Street and Scholey Street. According to WhatPub, the venue closed its doors in 2009 and has remained empty ever since.

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The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Greater Manchester Police were also in attendance and have been approached for further information. Pictures in the aftermath show tape still blocking off the scene with fire crews carrying out enquiries after the flames had been dampened.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 3.30pm this afternoon (Monday 20th June), four fire engines from Bolton central, Bolton North, Whitefield and Farnworth fire station along with the Turntable ladder from Stretford were called to reports of a Building fire involving a derelict pub on Manchester Road, Bolton.”

“The crews arrived quickly at scene and worked to make the area safe. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatuses used two hose reels, a safety jet and an extension ladder to extinguish the fire. Firefighters have been in attendance for around two hours and are still at the scene.”

MancTraffic announced congestion during rush hour caused by the road closure. They tweeted: "Heavy congestion in Bolton due to a