Walsall town centre was in chaos following the borough’s biggest fire in 25 years that tore through historic Shannons Mill.
The Victorian building was set to be converted into flats and shops as part of a £25 million development.
Much of the town centre has come to a standstill as roads close to the mill were sealed off to the public as fire officers fear the remainder of the building may collapse at any time.
Traders in the town centre situated close to Shannons Mill were today feeling the affects of the fire as many shops had to close because roads were sealed off.
The newly opened Asda in St Matthews Quarter was shut for the day and the Saturday market was also closed for trading.
Robert Davis, who runs a market store which sells ladies scarves and gloves said: “This has had a big affect on my trade today.
Saturday is a big day for trade and all of the market traders will be affected badly. I think the market may also close on Monday so it’s a big blow for market traders.”
Pally Moore, who owns Chipmasters, based on Lower Hall Lane, said: “I have only just been allowed to get access to my business but I have been told that the public won’t have access to my shops or any of the shops nearby. This is the busiest day of the week for me. It is going to have a big affect on my business.”
Lesley Davies who owns Ace of Hearts Tattoo Studio close to Shannons Mill also had to close today.
She said: “I have had to wait for the fire crews to escort me to my studio because the area has been sealed off. I have been told that I will have to remain shut today. I have got lots of bookings today and I haven’t been able to let any of my customers know that I will have to cancel them. It is a nightmare.”
More than 150 firefighters – some travelling from as far afield as the Welsh border – travelled to Walsall to tackle the fire.
Around 40 fire crews from stations including Much Wenlock in Shropshire, Rugby in Warwickshire and Rugeley in Staffordshire came to the aid of the borough last night.
Rory Campbell, fire commander, said there had been a massive effort by fire crews from all over the West Midlands and beyond.
He said: “We have had help from a number of fire stations in a number of different counties.
“There was a fire crew who came from Much Wenlock and a fire crew from Rugby.
“There was also a special pump sent from Rugeley fire station and crews from all over the Black Country.
“It has been a massive joint effort.
“This was certainly the biggest fire I can remember.
“The firefighters have worked so hard through the night to tackle the blaze.
“It is under control now but work is still going on.
“A priority is to ensure the safety of not only the firefighters but the public as the building is unsafe and that is why the area is sealed off at the moment.” A special fire service command centre was set up today in a nearby car park close to Shannons Mill. Fire officers officers who had been working through the night were taking it in turns to tuck into bacon sandwiches, bananas and water which had been specially drafted in. They were set for a busy day as they continued to deal with the aftermath of the fire.
17 Comments
The building was one of very few remaining grade 2 listed buildings,that was a monument to victorian industry.
Shannon Mill development has been on the cards for years. Now something will have to be done. Walsall town centre is possibly the worst in this area. Tamworth, Lichfield, Sutton, Cannock, even Bloxwich are better. Its time our Councillors got their act together and all pulled in the same direction.
I was in town Friday night when the fire happened, the Fire was huge. The fire could be seen for miles. It was a frightening site. The whole building could be soon ‘glowing’ from the Pleck Road at 2.30 Saturday morning. Good on the fire crews - they are worth their weight in gold.
i am one of the fire crew that was at the fire that night it reminds me of a fire on hilton street called the mb brewe just off the cannock road
and we thank every one for the help
I was at home watching TV on Friday night(I live in the Butts area of Walsall)when I smelt burning. The smell became stronger so I opened my front door to have a look. The sky was red and I saw a big fire in the distance towards the town centre. It was 10.45pm but I thought I’d go and have a look, thinking the fire was just local. But it was further than I thought. It took me five minutes to walk to Lichfield Street and outside Aruba, embers and sparks were flying through the air. People were walking towards the fire, looking up at all the smoke in the sky. At first we thought it was the Old Square ablaze, but then realised it was further. I turned into Lower Hall Lane and nothing could have prepared me for the sight of seeing the Shannons building burning. The fire was massive - like an inferno - and as it was a windy night, it was blowing in the crowd’s direction. Every so often huge sections of the building crashed to the ground - I couldn’t believe how quickly the building was disappearing. Sparks were flying onto neighbouring buildings and I thought they’d disappear too. Everyone was taking photos of the fire with their phones. A few drunken lads danced in front of the fire getting their mates to take their photos before a firefighter moved them on.
I feel so sad the building has all but gone. I’ve always really liked Shannons Mill and George Street. I hate the new Asda car park and flats - I think they drained the soul out of Shannons Mill and ruined that fantastic view of the building from Upper Rushall Street. Now another bit of old Walsall’s gone for good and a part of many people’s lives.
Me and my friend spotted the fire all the way from Pleck Bridge - we followed it thinking it was a house on the Wednesbury road but then kept moving until we arrived in town to see the fire before us - it was a blazing inferno and the biggest fire I’ve ever seen. People were watching and taking photos, we couldn’t believe this was happening - it was horrific and the firefighters has a tough job.
It’s so sad to think that our locals are the cause of this, it was a historical building which would have been brought back to life after the regeneration work.
I feel very sad about this, as a good many do. It was one of the last heritage buildings left in Walsall. My mother worked there as a young girl for many years. I really am baffled that the whole building went up and nothing could be salvaged. It was a huge building. Very very sad. Pity they could not building something similar, in the old fashioned way, but new. We were in Asda on Thursday and commented that they would make super apartments because of the big windows. Terrible tragedy. Lets hope the Councillors and contractors now get together and build something that will make Walsall proud and be a memory of the beautiful building that we have lost for ever.
Pump the funds into Walsall like what was done for brum if they did we could be a contender for City status or have a bigger Shopping Complex
I was in the town on friday night at 9.30 when the fire was raging. Its a terrible loss to Walsall’s ever dwindling architectural history. The new Asda building is an eyesore and far too large for the site. When will Walsall council get the message that they should be working harder to protect our heritage instead of building more and more new structures? Had the mill been redevelop in a more timely fashion instead of being left empty for years then this would not have happened. It begs the question about the source of the fire, as previous historical buildings have gone the same way whilst awaiting development (crutchleys toy warehouse).
i wanted to go to asda to do shopping but the police had sealed off the whole area leading up to asda it was a sad night it makes you wonder how are kids are brought up in this day and age because soon as the kids are off school we have this really sad and part of walsalls history and heritage destroyed.
I was at work in the town centre when the fire occurred. I took a walk down to see what was happening and saw to my dismay that Shannon Mill was on fire. The fire service and police did a superb job in ensuring public safety and putting the fire out. It is devastating that such an historic has been lost. It was a feature and landmark of this area and will be sorely missed. I hope that Walsall Council and the various people involved will pull together and replace this iconic building with something equally iconic - please ask the people of Walsall for their opinions.
it’s appalling what happened at the mill but i have to ask myself was this an act of wanton vandalism or was it torched for a reason i can’t help thinking it was done for a reason of greed by some minted developer
I didn’t even know what was happening. I could hear sirons but didn’t know where they were going. Then the next day my brother who’s in Cornwall on holiday asked me what had burned down. I still didn’t know so i went down town and was shocked to see the building. It is such a shame.
I just don’t believe this was an accident. Too many of Walsall’s historical buildings have gone up in flames while awaiting development. Crutchley’s toy warehouse, Decorart, The Hole in the Wall….. are these all co-incidences? The town centre is filled with cctv cameras yet nothing’s caught on camera. This was a very grand, iconic building but it was an old building that probably presented quite a few challenges to a developer. It would be so much easier if the building was levelled and the site cleared because then you can build whatever you want!
First the Littleton Arms - demolished despite protests for the new road - now this. I am in mourning for the wanton loss of our local architectural heritage.
Why was such a landmark building left with seemingly inadequate security despite such a recent history of arson attacks on unoccupied buildings locally, and the Cape Hill Brewery going up in smoke in Wolverhampton? The centre of Walsall will never seem the same.
i was going clubbing with my boyfriend when the police was diverting traffic,it was really sad to see the inferno as it was a sad loss to our history , i remember as a young kid walking past the building with my grandad and he would tell me stories about the mill.
While visiting home in Pelsall, I also happened accross the fire. Very awe inspiring, the heat generated could be felt at quite a distance. It really is a sad loss, not only to the area, but to the cause of preserving our architectural heritage. The cynic in me screams ‘how convenient for it to burn down’. I’m sure the faceless developers are gutted! Maybe the terms of the planning permission should be altered to specify that the new buildings are built with simillar red brick facades with modern inners? What does everyone think?
I think it’s imperative buildings of this nature still standing are given maximum protection. These buildings were built to last, unfortunately modern economics dictate new buildings are considered ‘long-term temporary’ as they will be torn down and re-developed many times (if you apply the same timescale that the mill stood for). I also think it’s important to preserve all types of architecture, whether we find them attractive or otherwise. The remaining 60’s concrete (I think monstrosities, but that’s my opinion that’s all), will possibly become the new ‘heritage’ architecture of future generations. If they last that long of course! Out of interest, a large developer here in Dublin was recently fined €12 million for demolishing a convent against the terms of the planning permission. I’m sure the Developer factored this into his costings and will still make millions. How do we control such arrogance?