‘Danger land’ warning after youths end up in hospital
People told to stay away from area around old mill
POLICE have warned the public not to go near ‘dangerous’ land after several young people were taken to hospitals with illness, skin blisters, upset stomachs and diarrhoea.
Officers were investigating the site near the abandoned Rishton Paper Mill, off Hermitage Street before they caught more than 100 youths aged 13 to 17 there on Monday.
The area and watercourse has been declared unsafe, say Lancashire Constabulary.
They are now warning of significant health risks posed by visiting the land, as a number of young people have since been taken to local hospitals.
A Hyndburn police spokesperson said: “This land is currently dangerous. Do not go there.”
Public Health England (PHE)
North West launched a joint investigation into the water supply in a collaborative effort with other agencies.
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson, who is also a Rishton county councillor, said: “It is a deep concern. The last thing we want is a fatality there due to going in a derelict building. It’s a major hazard”.
POLICE have warned the public not to go near ‘dangerous’ land after several young people were taken to hospitals with illness, skin blisters, upset stomachs and diarrhoea.
Officers caught more than 100 youths aged 13 to 17 on land around the abandoned Rishton Paper Mill, off Hermitage Street, on Monday, July 6.
The area and watercourse has been declared unsafe, say Lancashire Constabulary.
They are now warning of significant health risks posed by visiting the land, as a number of young people have since been taken to local hospitals.
A Hyndburn police spokesperson said on July 6: “Today the Neighbourhood Policing Team came across upwards of 100 youths, aged between 13 and 17 years of age, on the land around the abandoned factory off Hermitage Street, Rishton.
“This land and watercourse has been declared unsafe and harmful.
“Over recent days, several young people have presented at local hospitals with illness, skin blisters, upset stomachs and diarrhoea. There is a significant health risk to anyone accessing this land. This land is currently dangerous... DO NOT GO THERE, please!”
Public Health England (PHE) North West launched a joint investigation on July 4 into the water supply in a collaborative effort with other agencies. Their spokesperson said: “Work is under way with Public Health England North West, Hyndburn Council, Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency North West and partners to investigate a potential issue with the water at Rishton Paper Mill in Hyndburn.
“We have reports of children becoming ill after swimming in the water and would advise people not to enter the water.
“If you have swum in this water and develop sickness or diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain within 10 days of swimming contact your GP.” Following a multiagency meeting on Friday Hyndburn Council emergency staff cordoned off the access points to prevent any access while investigations were ongoing.
Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson, who is also a Rishton county councillor, said: “It is a deep concern. Parents need to be aware of where their teenagers are going to in the evening or during the day. It isn’t safe. The last thing we want is a fatality there due to going in a derelict building. It’s a major hazard if young adults are congregating in numbers.
“Even if they’re not going into the water due to there not being warmer weather they are trespassing in a derelict building down there which is a very large building which is dangerous in itself.
“The issue now with the council and responsible bodies is informing the owner of the property of his responsibilities to make it safe. It does need to be made secure, and that’s the responsibility of the owner.”