Historic mill is ‘derelict eyesore’ — Akhtar

Date published: 10 August 2010


A listed mill in Werneth has become a derelict eyesore.

That’s the view of Labour ward councillor Shoab Akhtar, who wants Oldham Council to buy Hartford Mill.

But that will not happen, said Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor John McCann, because the council doesn’t want the liability.

Hartford Mill, which is privately owned and Grade-II listed, is part of the Werneth Housing Market Renewal (HMR) area.

Councillor Akhtar, Labour’s deputy leader, said recent government cutbacks of £2.2m for HMR in Oldham have resulted in an uncertain future for the mill.

He added: “A number of feasibility studies over the past few years have suggested that Oldham Council should purchase the mill but the funding cutbacks mean that Oldham Council is not in a position to get the building into its ownership.

“The mill is derelict and an eyesore. It is strategically placed at the doorstep of the newly-proposed Werneth Metrolink Station.

“The Metro line will paint a picture of Oldham as it passes through — what kind of picture will a derelict mill portray about Oldham?”

Councillor McCann said: “The board of HMR has reviewed expenditure and all members, Labour and Liberal Democrat, have agreed on priorities and measures.

“The clear priorities are to continue to purchase residential properties when agreed, demolish tinned properties, build new houses in Derker and Werneth and maintain quality of build. We are not taking on new liabilities.”