A devastating fire forced a much loved pub to close on one of its busiest nights of the year. The fire at The Railway in Bromley Cross, Bolton, broke out yesterday afternoon (December 30) while the boozer was 'packed' with customers.
Customers were evacuated and the blaze, which started in a tumble dryer, has caused extensive damage to the first floor. Landlord Mike Hales paid tribute to firefighters for containing the blaze and limiting the damage to the building.
Mike feared the pub would also be forced to remain closed on New Year's Eve, but staff have worked around the clock on a clean-up operation and it will re-open for drinks only from 3pm today. Now Mike is awaiting more information from his insurers to determine how long it will take to fully repair the building.
