FIRE crews were called to a blaze at the former Atherton library.

Three fire engines attended the unused building on York Street shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, June 22. 

Crews spent more than two hours at the scene as they tackled the fire.

The buildings have been empty at the site for four years

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 9.49pm on Wednesday 22 June, firefighters were called out to a fire at the derelict Atherton Library building on York Street, Atherton.

“Three fire engines from Hindley, Atherton and Leigh fire stations attended the scene and used two breathing apparatus and a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"Crews were at the scene for approximately two hours and twenty minutes.”