Some areas at the shopping park remain closed following the incident
Firefighters at Elk Mill in Oldham(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Elk Mill Shopping Park has issued an update after roof tiles came loose earlier today due to Storm Claudia. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance for around two hours to help remove the tiles.
A security staff member said there were fears that the metal bar on top of the roof could fall and it’s understood part of the roof was damaged.
In an update issued this afternoon, the shopping park confirmed the area around five stores remains closed to secure the safety of customers and staff.
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A spokesperson for Elk Mill Shopping Park, said: “Due to the effect of Storm Claudia, some roof tiles on the centre became loose. The safety of our visitors and colleagues is our priority, and we acted quickly in partnership with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to remove these as soon as we were aware.
“To ensure everyone stays safe as the storm continues, the area around Currys, Pets at Home, Bensons for Beds, Asda Living and Wren remains closed, but the rest of the centre is open and trading as usual.”
It’s understood two fire engines were onsite earlier today to help remove the loose roofing safely and there have been no injuries as a result of the incident.
The area of Elk Mill Shopping Park around the following stores remains closed for the safety of colleagues and visitors:
CurrysPets at HomeBensons for BedsAsda LivingWren
Elk Mill Shopping Park added that the centre is continuing to monitor the situation and weather closely and will keep colleagues and customers updated.
Earlier today, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At shortly before 10.50am on Friday (November 14) one fire engine from Whitefield fire station plus the hydraulic platform appliance from Oldham fire station was called to an incident at a commercial premises on a retail park off Broadway, Royton.
“Firefighters removed flashing and tiles which had come loose from the roof and made the surrounding area safe. Crews were in attendance for just over two hours.”
Security staff at Elk Mill say there have been fears a metal bar on the roof could fall.
One guard said: “You get really strong wind round here because we’re higher up. It nearly blew me over earlier.
“So we’re taking precautions so no one gets hurt.”