A ROAD was closed for much of Tuesday morning with buses diverted after a fire broke out overnight at a disused shop.

The blaze occurred on Stand Lane, Radcliffe with firefighters called to the scene at around 2am.

Stand Lane has been closed in both directions between New Road and Milltown Street while crews from Whitefield Fire Station make the area safe.

A fire service spokesperson said: "We will try to open the road as soon as possible but it will probably be closed for much of the day.

"This might cause a bit of disruption but its all about reassuring the public that we are making sure its safe."

Bury Times:

One of the buildings has been badly damaged

Transport for Greater Manchester says that the 98 bus service has been diverted, while the Bury Church of England High School 887 may also be impacted.

The fire broke out at a disused shop adjoining the Wellington Pub.

The pub has not been affected by the fire apart from sustaining smoke damage.

Bury Times:

Traffic has been delayed in the area

As of this morning, the blaze has been extinguished but fire crews remain at the scene damping the area down and preparing it for an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Transport for Greater Manchester eventually announced that the road was reopened at around 11.30am.