A SPATE of mill fires causing £12 million of damage has prompted an insurance warning.

In recent months, a catalogue of fires in the Rossendale area have wreaked havoc on companies including Rossendale Slipper in Rawtenstall, National Carpets in Bacup, Michael John Tattersall's footwear factory in Waterfoot and neighbouring Richard Cort's car showroom.

Now Blackburn based valuers GF Singleton, who deal with loss assessment and insurance valuations, are warning firms to check their insurance cover.

"A major fire can be the most devastating incident from which a business has to recover but unfortunately they do not always do so," said Paul Sykes, partner.

"We have found that many businesses have insufficient sums insured which are never tested until a loss occurs.

"A building may cost £1 million to rebuild but the actual cover may only be for half that amount."

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