The future of a historical building in Bolton damaged by a fire earlier this year 'does not look good' according to a councillor involved in discussions about it.

A  fire broke out at a derelict commercial building at the Horwich Loco Industrial Estate  on Saturday, June 17 this year.

Three fire engines were sent to the scene on Railway Road and remained there overnight dealing with the aftermath.

The fire is believed to have taken place in one of the storage buildings with heritage significance having been built in 1886.

And now a councillor has said the future of the building is in question with demolition companies having visited it recently.

Ward councillor Peter Wright attended a meeting about what to do going forward.

The Bolton News: The fire yesterday

He said: “We had a meeting, the police and the fire service were there.

“We do not know yet what is going to take place.

“There is very little that can be done with the building.

“Bolton Council is unsure what to do with it.

“Demolition companies have been in within the last couple of weeks.

“I have written to Bolton Council to see if there are ways to save the building and if there are ways to retain some of the brick work.

“I have asked even if we have to do reconstruction can we use the old brick work.

“It does not look good.”

The Bolton News: The fire yesterday

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had been in attendance at the blaze for 13 and a half hours.

An joint police and fire investigation took place into the cause of the blaze. An arrest was made and patrols stepped up in the area in response to reports of anti-social behaviour.

Plans are in place for hundreds of homes to be built on part of Horwich Loco Works as part of regeneration plans to meet housing demands in Bolton, but discussions are still in place over the heritage buildings.