CROWDS of residents were stranded on Saturday as the fire took hold at Greenalls.

While many took up the option of moving to nearby accommodation, others watched the spectacular fire take hold from the police enforced cordons.

Phil Stanley, landlord of the nearby Saracens Head pub on Wilderspool Causeway, said: "It was just after 4pm and I started to smell burning so called the fire brigade."

"We were moved back by the police to the opposite side of the road and then much further away. But the police did let us go back in to get our dog."

Mr Stanley said it became increasingly clear that the fire was going to be severe. He added: "We were supposed to be having an Elvis impersonator on that night and he texted me at about 3pm to say that he was going to bring the house down!"

Many other residents say they were frustrated by the inconvenience, but accepted it was necessary.

Laura Jones, who was kept away from her home on Wilderspool Causeway, said: "I went out to get a takeaway and couldn't get back in. But if there is a danger of gas canisters going off then it was safer to keep away."

* Click here for exclusive photos of the blaze.