Saddleworth Moor fire impacts on pubs
The fires have been raging for days on the moor with houses being evacuated and emergency services advising people to avoid the area.
It has been reported that the fires are expected to continue for weeks before they burn themselves out. Firefighters and the army are still tackling blazes after it was declared a major incident.
Licensee of the 500-year-old Rams Head Inn at Denshaw, Greater Manchester, said at one point the pub was only a mile from the fires but the good news was that everyone was safe.
Impact on trade
“It has affected trade and the number of people coming into the area. On the first couple of days we got a lot of smoke but luckily it changed direction,” licensee Stuart Taylor said.
“We have had to go on Twitter, Facebook and email to tell people we are still open and it is business as usual. The roads are open but the police and fire crews are telling people to stay out.”
The pub has an outside area and garden seating that would normally be utilised during the hot weather.
“We have launched a lobster and crab festival that offers lobster at £25. Normally, we are really busy with that but we have been affected with everything that is going on but hopefully that will pick back up,” he said.
“The fire has died down a lot and there is a lot less smoke.”
Assistance offered
The Stamford Arms in Carrbrook, also in Greater Manchester, is close to the current fires. “There is smoke everywhere. While we are close we are not directly affected. We have not had to be evacuated,” said Daniel Rawstron, manager of the pub.
“We have still had people coming to the pub to get away from it. Everyone is just getting on with it as there is nothing they can do.”
He said while it was too early to know whether trade had been affected, the real concern was if the situation was to carry on for weeks.
JW Lees pub the Cross keys Inn, in Uppermill, Oldham, has been offering assistance to those that are in need of help because of the situation.
Due to the terrible local situation and people are being displaced, we have functions rooms available. Also anyone who is tackling the problem wants a rest from the scene or just a snack we are here all night for anyone who wants to.
— Cross Keys Inn Pub (@crosskeysinnpub) 26 June 2018
Ring us on 01457874626 and we’ll be here
