A DERELICT mill has been branded a potential 'death trap' by community leaders in Rosegrove.

Burnley Council leader Stuart Caddy said gangs of youths were risking their lives each time they broke into Empire Mill, Liverpool Road.

He added that he would write to the former weaving mill's new owners to address the issue of security.

And Brian Parkinson, a member of Rosegrove Action Group, who has been working alongside councillor Caddy, said during recent weeks the mill, which operated as Staslex Mill, has been vandalised, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Mr Parkinson, of Dorset Street, said: "The mill has been boarded up but these youngsters still manage to find a way in.

"It's not safe for people to be going into the building. I'm very concerned as it's only going to be a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured.

"All the windows have been smashed and the building has been ripped to pieces.

"It's also being used as a dumping ground for fly-tipping - there are old fridges and tyres that have just been left at the site. It looks horrendous.

"We are doing our best to help ensure that we live in a nice, tidy neighbourhood and then we come up against this kind of behaviour."

Coun Caddy said: "I am fully aware of the problems at Empire Mill of juveniles going in and out of the building.

"I am in contact with local police and community wardens and working with Rosegrove Action Group to try and come to a solution.

"I am now in the process of writing to Barnfield, who I believe have bought the site, asking if they can do some security work to prevent children going into the building and onto the site."

The issues are set to be discussed at the next Rosegrove Action Group meeting. Steve Richards, Burnley's chief parks ranger will attend with PC Geoff Dickinson to address community concerns.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the problems in the Rosegrove area. High visibility patrols have been operating in the area to deter the youngsters from entering the mill."

The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 25, at the action group shop in Lowerhouse Lane from 7.30pm.