DEVASTATION - firefighters were still damping down the flames hours later.

A MASSIVE fire has destroyed one of Tameside’s most famous landmarks.

Around 90 firefighters tackled the blaze at Ashton indoor market on Tuesday morning.

They were called to the Grade Two listed building around 3am and although the fire caused widespread and extensive damage, nobody was injured.

At the height of the blaze, 16 fire engines and firefighters from all over Greater Manchester as well as a pump from Glossop attended, plus three aerial appliances and other equipment.

Leading fireman at Stalybridge station Phil Kinsman said: "It was clearly a major incident. When we arrived within five minutes of answering the alarm call at 3am we found the roof well alight."

The fire service say it is too early to speculate on the cause of the blaze. But a full investigation into how it started it is already underway.

More than 100 stallholders arrived to find their livelihoods in tatters and many say there is little chance they could start up again.

The council says it has already taken steps to identify a site for a temporary market hall and is doing everything it can to save what is left of the historic building, which dates back to 1830.

However, cabinet member for economic services, Councillor Kieran Quinn said this may take some time.

"We’re doing all we can to open an indoor market as quickly as possible, but I don’t want to give any false impressions or raise people’s expectations too soon", he said.

"This is a massive undertaking and it could yet be a couple of months away before the temporary market hall is ready to open. In the meantime, we can start to think about and plan for the bigger picture and the permanent replacement of the market hall."

And sympathising with those affected by the devastation, he said: "Ashton market, indoor and outdoor is at the heart of our community. It’s not just the livelihood of traders, it’s a way of life for local people as well."

Council staff, along with emergency services have been working on the structure of the building since the fire in a bid to assess its safety. A security fence has been erected around it to protect the public and Wellington Road taxi rank has been temporarily relocated to Old Street.