FIREFIGHTERS are set to finally put out an underground fire but locals have said they would prefer if it was left alone.
The unusual blaze is said to have been alight for two years – but those who live nearby say it's been going for far longer and they're happy for it to stay.
Now it appears that firefighters have made progress in putting out the blaze under Green Lane colliery in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
Pauline Jones, 32, was one of the many residents who doesn't understand why the council is finally taking action.
The mum-of-two told The Sun: "The fire has been here for years.
"Most people aren't bothered by it so I don't know why the council are doing anything about it now.
"It's a bit crazy the fire has been so long but it doesn't really cause any problems.
"You see it smouldering now and again but that's about it."
Specialist contracts have now completed a three week trial where two hot spots were targeted at the site, known locally as Queensway.
Aidan Thatcher, director of place at Wigan Council said: “The three week ‘grouting’ trial to extinguish two hotspots at the Queensway underground fire is complete.
"This method has the potential to be a more cost-effective way of extinguishing underground fires, with less disruption to the landscape compared to digging up the land, letting it cool, then refilling it which has been the traditional way of tackling these types of fires.
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“Evaluation is still underway, but signs so far are positive with temperatures dropping at the hotspots where the grout was inserted.
"We are working alongside our specialist contractors to carry out a full assessment before any decisions are made about rolling this solution out further on the site.
"We would like to remind everyone that this site continues to be closed to the public.”
The council will continue to monitor the situation in the coming weeks before they can confirm if the underground fire has been put out.
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