Residents evacuated after a huge blaze which destroyed three historic mill buildings can return home today.
Around fifty people living in Ashton in Tameside were ordered to leave their homes after flames began to engulf the Oxford Mills site last Wednesday.
Such was the scale and ferocity of the blaze three mills dating back to the 1850s began to collapse.
Due to the danger this presented those living on Gibson Terrace which faces the former mills off Stockport Road were kept away whilst the buildings were flattened with demolition work beginning at the end of last week.
Pictures from the scene today showed a concrete wasteland where the hub of business once stood as demolition work carried out by contractor D Hughes Demolition continues.
Those properties were still without electricity though and that have been today been given the green light to return after their power was re-connected.
Those residents who couldn't be put up by friends or family were fed and watered at a rest centre in nearby Audenshaw before being moved to temporary accommodation provided by housing association Jigsaw Homes.
Pictures: How the mills looked today as demolition work nears completion
Tameside Council Leader Coun Brenda Warrington said today: “Demolition work has progressed well and electricity has now been reconnected, meaning residents of Gibson Terrace can safely return to their homes.
“Our staff are continuing to contact businesses that were based in the affected building to offer support, such as help to find alternative premises.
I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the effective and coordinated response to the fire - it reflected great partnership working. I know this has been a difficult time for those residents and businesses affected and we’re continuing to provide support where required;
Around half a dozen businesses based on the site have seen their livelihoods go up in smoke.
Coun Warrington said the council were continuing to provide any support to them they could.
Oxford Street East remains closed to traffic between Portugal Street and Cambridge Street.
However the Ashton Canal and towpath is now back open.
