SIX days after it crashed into a row of historic cottages, work continued today ( Wednesday, 15 March) to recover a truck and its trailer.

The crash happened last Friday afternoon after the Belgian vehicle's driver suffered a fatal heart attack.

The removal operation has been complex and required special vehicles and planning. The vehicle was loaded with scrap, some of which was removed yesterday.

Because of the risk of a gas escape and a possible explosion a cordon was put round the scene. London Road, where the accident happened, was closed this morning and is expected to be closed for much of the day.

Firefighters from Leigh were brought in to standby while the operation was carried out.

Engineers will make an assessment of the structural damage to the cottages before allowing residents back in to remove belongings.

Updates will follow.