Mix-up as letters meant for residents in Aspull are instead sent to homes in Atherton
Confusion reigned as concerned residents received letters advising them of an underground fire – which was actually burning more than six miles away.
The correspondence was sent to homes on Wigan Road, Atherton, on Saturday, sparking alarm among people living there.
Atherton north councillor Stuart Gerard soon posted on Atherton Residents’ Association’s Facebook page that he would be making inquiries about the fire.
And less than an hour later, he shared an update to report that it was a “false alarm”.
He wrote: “In regards to the letters some may have received over an underground fire in Atherton. Ignore it
"These have been sent out in error and were meant for residents in Aspull.
“The council will be clearing this up on a social media post shortly.
“If you have neighbours who do not have access to Facebook, can you please inform them there's no need to panic.”
An underground fire was first detected in the summer on an embankment off Wigan Road, Aspull.
Residents of two homes were evacuated temporarily as above ground fires were brought under control, but the predictions were that it could be a difficult problem to solve.
A large section of embankment was dug out in a bid to get to the source of the fire and it was then rebuilt, with monitoring of heat and emissions continuing for several weeks.
Work has continued in the area ever since, with residents raising concerns about smoke and heat from the fire.
The letter said: “We have been dealing with a complex underground fire that has generated significant heat-related issues across the site.
"However, I am happy to share that our data is showing that grouting has, and is continuing to have, the desired effect we had hoped for, with temperatures and emissions lowering on site.
"Our specialist contractor – SLR Consulting – is continuing to conduct grouting works at the site to ensure even coverage, with the aim of filling in as much void space as possible to further reduce temperatures and gas emissions.
"While we are witnessing a general decrease in temperatures, there are occasional, minor rises in levels at locations as grouting works continue.”
The letter said work is moving into “the final stages” and air quality monitoring visits were being carried out.