BORED youngsters could be dicing with death by using a derelict mill as an adventure playground.

South Ribble Mayor and local councillor Jim Owen is urging parents to stop their children playing at the neglected Wesley Street Mill site, in Bamber Bridge.

Youngsters of all ages are regularly seen playing in and around the run-down mill, which has been empty since a huge fire in 1991.

Smashed windows provide easy access for curious youngsters.

And, with the summer holidays approaching, Coun Owen and fellow councillor Tom Hanson say it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident.

Last month, Coun Owen launched Operation Streetwise - a campaign to keep kids from summer holiday dangers.

He said: "We regularly see children climbing up the fire escape to get into the mill.

"It frightens us to death because it is so dangerous. We have no idea how safe it is, or not, as the case may be.

"These youngsters just don't know the dangers, and I am sure there are dangers in there."

Their concerns have become more apparent in recent weeks after travellers used the site.

They broke into the mill and left doors open, tempting local children to explore inside the dilapidated building.

And earlier this year vandals broke in and started a small fire on one of the upper floors of the mill, which used to house several major firms.

Fellow councillor Tom Hanson said: "It is also very lonely in the mill, so if someone was injured in there it could be a long time before they are rescued.

"Unfortunately children in the area have very little to do so places like Wesley Mill seem attractive.

"I fear someone will be seriously injured one day."

Sergeant Andy Phillips, of Bamber Bridge Police, said: "We have to make sure people know that the mill is not a playground.

"At similar mills in other areas of the county, children have been lying injured for two or three days before being found. Such a delay can be fatal.

"They must know that they must stay away from the site before someone is hurt."

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