A PROPERTY development company has brought a new lease of life into Rossendale, after purchasing a derelict mill.

B & E Boys have acquired the three-storey former bed springs manufacturer, Doric Siddall Springs premises, in Burnley Road East, Waterfoot.

The building contractors and property developers will be sub-dividing 51sq ft of business space into industrial units -- and three Rossendale businesses are already signed up for units at the mill, which was almost destroyed by fire in November 1997.

Boys, which has about 75 employees and is based in Waterfoot, carried out a major £1.5million refurbishment 18 months ago before purchasing the site. The company now owns seven mills along Burnley Road East.

Property Developments Director Michael Boys, said he knew it was a good purchase because they had carried out the work.

He said: "We won a huge contract to fully refurbish the mill not so long ago, so we knew that it was in good shape.

"Being fully air-conditioned and heated, the premises are very attractive and modern.

"When we found out it was available we couldn't wait to purchase it."

The mill was bought by Brother Developments Ltd, which is owned by Boys, who have submitted a planning application to Rossendale Council to demolish 3,500 sqft of warehouse space.

"We want to make the units more let-friendly and by demolishing some of the warehouse space we can create more space for parking facilities and to help make access easier," Mr Boys added.