Crews remain at the fire scene of a former Wigan restaurant and club

Poolstock’s main route was closed to evening rush hour traffic on Monday October 24 as engines from Wigan, Hindley, Atherton and Leigh fire stations tackled the emergency at the abandoned Shanghai Palace from around 4pm onwards.

And it was only re-opened to vehicles at 1am on Tuesday October 25.

However crews from Wigan, Salford and Farnworth remained at the site throughout the night, damping down, and were being relieved by further teams at the morning change of shifts because it was not yet safe to leave unattended.

At the height of the blaze, an aerial platform from Leigh was brought in so that the flames could be doused from above.

Smoke could be seen from miles around and long tailbacks developed as evening traffic was diverted onto other roads.

A fire service spokesman said that the seat of the blaze appeared to be in the roof and that the cause was under investigation.

The premises, which in a previous incarnation were home to The Beer Engine club, have stood empty for years since the Chinese restaurant closed.

Planning permission was given for the site to be used for house-building but no work has taken place there since, and the Shanghai Palace has looked increasingly shabby.

As Wigan Today first reported the incident, readers expressed sadness at the former club’s further demise, sharing happy memories.