Eyesore mill to be demolished

A WATERHEAD mill condemned as an eyesore by residents and councillors has finally been earmarked for demolition.

News that the derelict Springhey Mill is to come down brings to an end a 10-year fight by local councillors to get the building flattened.

The mill, in Huddersfield Road, has been out of use for a number of years but persuading the owners, thought to be based in the Channel islands, to organise its demolition has been an uphill struggle.

The owners eventually applied for permission to build flats on the site, but the plans were rejected as unsuitable by the planning committee.

The mill, which was most recently used as a car breakers, has also attracted arsonists, with firefighters attending countless fires at the site over the years.

Counciilor Lynne Thompson said: “A determined environmental health officer has taken this difficult battle through the courts, and I would like to thank him sincerely on behalf of local residents.

“The owners have let the mill become an eyesore and a danger, while they applied to build a large and unsuitable block of flats on the site, and demanded favourable terms to do so.

“Their neglect has affected local residents badly, and will rightly not be rewarded.”

Asbestos has to be removed from the mill, and a separate water supply arranged for the car garage next door, before the bulldozers can move in.

A timeline for the demolition has not been finalised yet, but Councillor Lynne Thompson is hoping the building will be gone efore Christmas.

Waterhead councillor Linda Dawson said: “Part of the mill was demolished 10 years ago and the rest was left to deteriorate.

“I’m delighted that we have successfully driven this through for the residents of Waterhead.”