Demolition work continues at fire-hit mill
Demolition work has continued at a historic mill in Staffordshire on Monday after a large fire left the building structurally unsound.
Work began on Sunday after fears parts of the Grade II-listed Big Mill in Leek could collapse, and a cordon has been in place since the fire on Friday evening.
Some nearby residents were also evacuated from their homes but many have been allowed to return.
An 18-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire has been released on bail while a police investigation continues.
No-one was reported injured, according to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
They added that the gas supply had been safely isolated after pockets of fire were seen overnight on Saturday, caused by gas safely burning off.
They said if anyone noticed a strong smell of gas, however, they should immediately call the emergency gas line on 0800 111 999.
Some road closures remained in place, the fire service said, and security was present at the mill site.
Residents of Shade Mill were able to return to their homes, but vehicles were not to be brought into the car park as it was currently reserved for emergency services.
Tariq Khalil, station manager at the fire service, said demolition work had continued throughout Monday and it was likely the full structure would have to be knocked down.
He understood people's sentiments about the building's heritage, describing it as a "significant landmark", but said safety was the priority.
"If we leave any part of that structure up, there's always a potential, because it's weakened significantly, for it to collapse," he told BBC Midlands Today.
"We want to reduce that risk completely, so that's what we are aiming to do, to minimise the risk to the public."
Khalil said the fire service would liaise with the local authority over when the remaining displaced residents could return to their homes.
Among those who were told to leave their homes on Saturday was Ben Carthy-Tobitt.
He praised emergency workers and council staff, but said he had been told it could be up to a week before he was allowed to return home. In the meantime he is staying in a hotel.
He described the demolition as "bittersweet" as it would mean the area was once again safe but that this would come at the cost of losing a historic building.
"Obviously I'm looking forward to going home, as I'm sure the other residents are as well, but it's a real shame for Leek's history and its industrial past."
Dianne Donohue used to work at the mill when she was younger, and said she had a number of memories of it while it was in operation.
"It means a lot, it's a big part of Leek. Many people worked there years ago."
She said she had seen the flames on Friday, and that she felt "very sad" about it.
"It would've gone up like a tinderbox because of the oil from the machines," she added.
"It's sad, it's very sad. It's bringing everybody out to look and see what's going on."
David Payne, co-owner of the nearby Mill Street Kitchen told BBC Radio Stoke he had kept his cafe open over the weekend to help "give back" to the emergency service workers helping keep the area safe.
He also runs a delivery service, and said the closure of one of the town's main routes had caused significant difficulties for his business.
Despite this, there was "such a strong community" in Leek, he added.
"We've had people purposely come out of their way to try and support us - even if they've had to come on foot," he said.
Staffordshire Police said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and confirmed Mill Street remained closed on Monday.
A spokesperson said they were keen to speak to people who might have CCTV footage around Belle Vue Road, Mill Street, Hencroft and West Street.
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