Blaze-hit cheese maker’s production ‘not impacted’

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses’ packing operation in Longridge has been severely damaged by a huge blaze that ripped through the building.

The family-owned business issued a statement following the fire, reassuring customers that its dairy, which is in Inglewhite, was not impacted and production was continuing.

It said: “We would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in challenging circumstances.

“Our dairy, which is a separate site in Inglewhite, was not impacted and continues to turn milk into cheese today.

“Our priority is supporting and looking after all of our team - our extended family - and we have been touched by the support from our local community and our customers.”

Fire crews were called to the packing facility and offices on the Shay Lane Industrial Estate in Longridge on Monday evening as flames engulfed the building.

Ten crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were involved in the operation, working throughout the night to bring the fire under control.

Two nearby high schools were forced to close the next day as a result of the fallout from the blaze and people were urged to avoid the area.

Butlers is an award-winning fourth generation family business and can trace its history back to 1932. It is owned by the Hall family.