Shoppers heading into Walsall this morning found themselves unable to access large parts of the town, with several key roads closed because of the Shannons Mill fire.
Motorists were forced to turn around as they found it impossible to get anywhere near the market end of the town.
Roads closed by the fire included Freer Street, Goodhall Street, Dudley Street, Peel Street, Digbeth, Upper Rushall Street, Newport Street, Lower Hall Lane, Mountrath Street, Vicarage Place and part of Caldmore Road.
The road closures were expected to remain in place for most of the day with no indication from firefighters or police about whether they would even be lifted in time for the Monday morning rush hour.

Read the full story in the Express & StarShoppers heading into Walsall this morning found themselves unable to access large parts of the town, with several key roads closed because of the Shannons Mill fire.
Motorists were forced to turn around as they found it impossible to get anywhere near the market end of the town.
Roads closed by the fire included Freer Street, Goodhall Street, Dudley Street, Peel Street, Digbeth, Upper Rushall Street, Newport Street, Lower Hall Lane, Mountrath Street, Vicarage Place and part of Caldmore Road.
The road closures were expected to remain in place for most of the day with no indication from firefighters or police about whether they would even be lifted in time for the Monday morning rush hour.
The inferno could be seen for miles around, including Junction 10 of the M6 in the early hours of the morning as the fire was at its peak.
Devastated
Walsall councillor Mohammed Arif was among those who woke up this morning to hear news of the massive blaze at the historic building.
He said: “I’m devastated at what has happened and this will completely change what was planned for Shannons Mill. This was one of Walsall’s historic buildings and it looks like none of it will be able to be rescued.”
Dave Martin, the council’s acting chief executive, said it is too early to tell when the affected roads will be re-opened, with the situation to be reviewed continously over the weekend.
The authority’s emergency planning team was notified of the fire around 11pm last night and officers, including Mr Martin, were immediately sent to the scene.
He said: “This is a tragic incident at an iconic and popular building which was well loved by the people of Walsall.
“Thankfully there are no reports of any fatalities.
“Road closure will be reviewed over the weekend as more information is available. We want to assure people that we are working with the emergency services to keep disruption to a minimum,” added the chief executive.