A section of derelict building gutted by fire in Salford will have to be demolished so roads and footpaths can re-open.
Seven fire crews were called to the former Mainline taxi offices on Ford Lane in Pendleton shortly after midnight on Saturday 17 October.
They found a large and well-developed fire underway – the flames and billowing smoke could be seen as far away as Weaste and Seedley.
It took crews over two hours to bring the blaze under control using water jets and thermal imaging cameras to see the scale of the fire.
A section of the roof was caved in by the blistering heat of the fire, and it has left sections of the building structurally unsound.
Greater Manchester Fire have launched a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police to see if arson is suspected.
Part of Greenwood Street remains closed.
The location was originally a branch of the Pendleton Co-operative Industrial Society Ltd.
Mainline 7s moved from the building to new premises on Lissadel Street in 2013.
Council officers have now advised the building owners that part of a gable wall facing Greenwood Street will have to be demolished so the footpath and street can reopen.
It’s not yet known whether the building itself will stay standing or whether the owners will decide to knock it down entirely.
A spokesman for Salford City Council said: “Building control staff visited the site on Saturday and have since met with representatives of the owners.
“The owners are continuing to review long term options for the building and site.”
