Emergency services called to former pub due to gas leak

On Monday, January 1, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Cadent Gas were called to the former Royal Oak pub on Union Street.

The historic pub closed its doors in November after the site was purchased by an unknown buyer, bringing an end to the public house serving customers for 200 years.

A spokesperson for GMFRS said: "At just before 5.40pm on Monday (January 1), two fire engines from Oldham and Chadderton fire stations attended a gas leak in a former public house on Union Street, Oldham.

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"Firefighters set-up a cordon and supported colleagues from Cadent Gas and Greater Manchester Police to make the scene safe.

"Crews were in attendance for just under one hour."

A spokesperson for Cadent Gas confirmed they were requested to attend the property and an engineer made sure everything was gas safe.

On December 7 last year, the Royal Oak shared on its Facebook page that after the keys to the building had been handed over, a dishwasher had been removed from behind the bar and although the pipes were cut, the water remained on, leading to the pub being flooded for four days.

Read more:

• 'A real shame': Oldham pub set to close down in coming weeks
• Iconic Oldham town centre pub shares official closing date
• 'Panic': Pub closure forces Oldham groups to find new homes

The building received a Grade II listing in 2018, which covers both the exterior and interior of the structure, including the bricks, tiles and wooden staircase.

It was sold by Inglenook Inns to an unknown buyer and the future of the historic property remains uncertain.

Greater Manchester Police were approached for comment.