A VITAL piece of Rossendale's industrial history could be lost if work is not done to restore an early 20th century weaving mill in Haslingden, according to English Heritage.

Grane Mill, in Lane Side Road, has been put on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register 2004, published yesterday, which contains almost 1,500 of the nation's most vulnerable grade I and II listed assets.

It was one of six buildings in the North West added to the list.

The mill operated between 1907 and 1979, but the steam engine, engine house and boiler room have deteriorated since the closure due to neglect.

These were recently registered as a scheduled ancient monument - the highest protection afforded to historic buildings.

The rest of the mill site is being developed into housing by Redrow Homes.

A spokeswoman for English Heritage said: "The register, which is updated annually, flags up the grade I and II listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments that need action. It is a 'to do' list and we use it work with owners, local developers and other organisations to tackle these local buildings so they are still there for future generations to enjoy.

"Grane Mill is the only building in Lancashire to be added to the list this year and a trust is being set up to take restoration of the protected parts of this site forward.

"This is good news because it means there is some community support there for this."

Kathy Fishwick, from Rossendale Civic Society, said that there were plans to restore the mill to full working order so that people could visit and learn about its heritage.

She said: "The site is being developed very responsibly. The protected buildings are in the hands of a private owner but the developer is helping with the restoration.

"A trust is being set up so that funding can hopefully be found to pay for the restoration work."

By LAUREN CUMMING