Elk Mill Shopping Park issues update after roof tiles become loose during Storm Claudia
Elk Mill Shopping Park in Oldham experienced loose roof tiles due to Storm Claudia, leading to the closure of some areas. The fire service assisted in removing the tiles safely, with no injuries reported. The affected area includes stores like Currys, Pets at Home, Bensons for Beds, Asda Living, and Wren, but the rest of the centre remains open.
Storm Claudia tore through Oldham on Friday morning, ripping roof tiles from Elk Mill Shopping Park and forcing firefighters to seal off a five-store section of the retail complex.
Two fire engines and a hydraulic platform from Whitefield and Oldham stations raced to the Broadway site shortly before 10:50 a.m. after security staff spotted loose tiles and feared a metal roof bar could crash to the ground. Crews spent two hours removing flashing and dislodged slates, ensuring no-one was injured.
The cordoned area—spanning Currys, Pets at Home, Bensons for Beds, Asda Living and Wren—remains off-limits while engineers monitor the structure. A security guard on duty said: “You get really strong wind round here because we’re higher up. It nearly blew me over earlier. So we’re taking precautions so no one gets hurt.”
A spokesperson for Elk Mill Shopping Park confirmed: “Due to the effect of Storm Claudia, some roof tiles on the centre became loose. The safety of our visitors and colleagues is our priority, and we acted quickly in partnership with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to remove these as soon as we were aware.” The rest of the park continues to trade normally as managers track further weather warnings.
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