Call for urgent action on disused mill site
A DISUSED mill site hit by problems with anti-social behaviour has been identified by council bosses as a ‘high priority’ for development.
Council leader Miles Parkinson says they are keen to see an overhaul of the Rishton Paper Mill site, which has been beset by graffiti, rubbish dumping and unauthorised accesses.
Owners Acebench Ltd say they are in discussions with planning officers over how to develop the site, which received urgent safety and clean-up works late last year following a council demand, but have admitted it is unlettable in its current state.
Coun Parkinson said they are keen to see the owners develop or sell on the mill and fishing lodge on Heritage Street, Rishton.
He said: “The council has taken many enforcement actions against the owners over the years, requiring them to improve the site and we hoped that they’d demolish the building and build new housing on the site, but since buying it in 2002 they have failed to progress this.
“The owners have complied with all notices served by us and at present there is a notice served on the site under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which contains an ongoing element which they must comply with or face possible court action.”
Hyndburn council served a Community Protection Notice (CPN) on mill owners Acebench last August, stating that uncontaminated rubbish and other waste materials were being allowed to ‘accumulate on the land’.
The notice also stated that unauthorised access was being allowed and said the buildings were in ‘severe disrepair’ and being defaced by graffiti.
The CPN gave the Preston-based owners 28 days to remove graffiti, clear rubbish and cut back overgrown trees and bushes, and 60 days to install a 1.8m fencing and a lockable gate.
Acebench Ltd said they have fully complied with the notice and completed the works by the end of November 2017.
A spokesperson said: “We were told of works to do at the property which were undertaken to the council’s satisfaction.
“The property is being checked out on a fortnightly basis. We need to speak to the planners to see what kind of uses they will allow.
“It’s currently infeasible and unlettable in its current state.”