The demolition of a historic Staffordshire Moorlands mill continued today (30 March) following a major fire over the weekend. 

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the fire at Big Mill in Leek on Friday 27 March "when smoke and flames were seen coming out of the building on Mill Street". 

Due to the damage, the grade II listed building has had to be demolished. 

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are still the scene of a large fire on Mill Street, Leek, today (Monday 30 March) as demolition work continues. 

"Mill Street will stay closed until demolition work is complete and the area is made safe. 

"Good progress is being made by demolition crews."

Image by Tim Vickerstaff

The service added: "The gas supply was safely isolated yesterday, but we're still asking people to call the Emergency Gas Line if they notice a strong smell of gas. Call 0800 111 999 immediately. 

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"One crew remains at the scene as a precaution." 

Several members of the local community, and visitors from further afield gathered to watch the demolition. 

Leek resident, Tim Vickerstaff, whose great aunts worked in the mill when it was in operation, said: "Most people are pretty sad, I think, that it's gone.  

Image by Tim Vickerstaff

 "Although everyone, including myself, used to complain that it was an eyesore and a blight on the town because nobody would have to.   

"It just doesn't feel right when a building goes like that." 

Geoff Foot, from Stoke-on-Trent, said: "It's just devastating.

"It's a piece of culture that has been lost – well destroyed really." 

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Image by Tim Vickerstaff

Student, Amy Foot added: "It doesn't look nice, it's just an eyesore now. This was once was a big historic building and now it's gone." 

An 18-year-old man from Leek, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

In a statement on social media on Sunday (29 March), Staffordshire Moorlands Police said that he has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Staffordshire Police are urging anyone with CCTV footage of the following areas to contact them: Belle Vue Road, Mill Street, Hencroft, West Street.

Image by Tim Vickerstaff