BUILDINGS destroyed by a blaze in Park Road Industrial Estate were not insured, it has been revealed.

Several buildings were burnt down in the fire just after 5pm on Thursday.

Waste is thought to have caught fire and spread to nearby firms, pouring clouds of smoke over the town.

Carl Bebbington, of CBS Trading, a recycling firm in Park Road, which was burnt down by the fire, said: “I left work around 3pm and the next thing I know, I had the landlord saying ‘the yard is on fire’.”

A spokesman for Bury Council, said: “We have contacted the owner’s representative who has stated that the affected buildings are not insured.

“Large sections of Abbey Skips’ premises are unsafe and will need to be demolished but the buildings are contained within a secure site.

“Structural assessments are being undertaken.

“Businesses and property owners have been advised on clearing up the waste left by the fire, including the proper disposal of fragments of asbestos cement sheeting.

“As regards business continuity, it is hoped that the adjoining businesses can now start to return to normal.

“Several businesses are already trading.”

John Lally, of Abbey Skip Hire confirmed he had been unable to get buildings insurance for the units because of a fire a few years ago.

Investigations into the fire are under way between Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the police.

The units in Park Road which were closed as a result of the fire and clean up operation, were reopened on Saturday.

Despite burning near the tracks, East Lancashire Railway services and equipment were unaffected by the fire.