FIRE chiefs have called for the demolition of a former cotton mill which, they say, is putting lives and property at risk.

Irwell Mill in Rochdale Road, Bacup, has been empty for more than nine years and although several schemes for re-development have been put forward, none have taken off.

The roof of the mill has partly collapsed and almost 100 windows have been boarded up.

Rossendale Council say they have repeatedly tried to contact the mill owner to force him to pay for repairs or demolition, but so far without success. Councillors now fear that the mill is so dangerous that it will have to be demolished at council expense, which could cost almost £400,000.

At a meeting of Rossendale Borough Council, a letter from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sent to councillors in June was read out, highlighting the dangers of leaving the mill standing.

The letter read: "The condition of the roof of the mill has seriously worsened and any fire would rapidly grow to the risk of both life and property.

"Any neighbouring properties would be greatly endangered. We suggest the mill should be demolished as quickly as possible to negate any threat."

Coun Judith Driver added that the council needed to act before someone was seriously hurt. She said that roof tiles from the mill had fallen on to the public footpaths below.

Chairman of the development and environmental services committee Nick Pilling, said the condition of the mill was of concern to the council and that the risk assessments being carried out would almost certainly recommend its demolition.

He added: "I expect that the next report will suggest that we are reaching the situation where the mill is unsafe and we will have no option but to take action.

"We are aware of the danger and are duty-bound to do something about it."

A tender for the demolition of the mill has been submitted to the council from a company called Andrew Connolly Demolition for £391,974.