Mill to be demolished

THE Borough Mill in Hathershaw will be demolished to stop arsonists and burglars causing problems.

The mill is part of a regeneration site, but since it and other buildings scheduled for clearance became empty, Oldham Council has had to visit on almost a daily basis to screen and secure the site.

Last month, 20 firefighters stopped a blaze spreading to the main body of the building when arsonists set fire to wooden pallets in a single-storey annexe in Neild Street.

The site is surrounded by residential property.

Part of Nield Street had to be closed for health and safety reasons, and the Greater Manchester Fire Service has asked for the mill to be demolished quickly to avoid future arson attacks.

The work will begin with asbestos removal at five buildings in the regeneration area — Borough Mill, the former Richard Cort garage, Castle Mill and two annexes to Castle Mill — costing £116,235.

Oldham Council has approved the work which will be paid for by Housing Market Renewal money.