RESIDENTS are being supported after being evacuated from their homes following a fire at a commercial unit on Oxford Street East in Ashton.
Homes on Gibson Terrace were affected, with approximately half of the households staying with friends and family and 23 people going to a nearby rest centre where they were provided with beds, hot food, refreshments, toiletries and support overnight by Jigsaw Support staff.
They will be moved to temporary accommodation provided by Jigsaw Support later today until they are able to return to their homes – there is no timetable yet in place as Oxford Street East remains a hazard zone but the situation will be reviewed tomorrow (Thursday).
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service made good progress overnight in tackling the fire and working to reduce the smoke plume. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council officers were on site to work with the emergency services, support residents and liaise with businesses.
Stockport Road opened at 6am today ahead of the morning rush hour but some side street road closures remains in place. Ashton Canal and towpath are currently closed at the location.
People are advised to please avoid the area and for local residents to keep their doors and windows closed. Anyone with respiratory conditions may be susceptible to smoke – please carry and use medication. Anyone with health concerns regarding smoke can contact NHS 111 for advice or your local GP surgery.
Tameside Council Executive Leader, Cllr Brenda Warrington, Said: “Firefighters have made excellent progress overnight working to tackle the blaze and reduce the smoke plume. However, as a precaution It was necessary to ask a number of our residents in the area to leave their homes and move to a place of safety.
“Our Emergency Team and Incident Officers from across the council supported the evacuation of residents overnight. Those affected were contacted door to door and have been provided with beds, hot food and drinks at our rest centre. The situation will be reviewed tomorrow as to whether residents can return to their homes but in the meantime Jigsaw homes will continue to support in providing temporary accommodation for those residents still at the rest centre. I’m pleased to see such a swift, comprehensive and personal response to ensure the safety of our residents from across the council and our partners. We will of course continue to support the fire service throughout the incident and keep those directly affected and surrounding areas aware of any updates.”
Jigsaw’s Group Director, Neighbourhoods and Support, Donna Kelly said; “Our main priority, as always, is the safety and wellbeing of our residents. Well done to all our colleagues that responded quickly and worked tirelessly with the emergency services and our partners to ensure the safety of our residents at Gibson Terrace. Our teams have worked through the night to make sure the tenants were made as comfortable as possible in the circumstances.
“Thanks also to the tireless efforts of the emergency services as well as our partners at Tameside MBC for their expert response to such a difficult situation.”
