A DERELICT mill near Blackburn town centre is dangerous and close to collapse, according to council chiefs.

A report to Blackburn's regeneration committee has revealed children playing near the empty Fir Mill building could be putting themselves at risk.

Town hall bosses are so worried about the state of the Whalley Banks building they have taken legal action against the owners.

Fir Mill has been left empty for several years and is flanked on either side by Blackburn Products, a company which specialises in dealing with animal waste.

The River Blakewater runs along the back of the building and Cupal Products chemical works is situated across the bank. There are fears the building could collapse on to neighbouring properties or into the river bed.

Any major collapse could lead to youngsters playing in the Blakewater being seriously injured and even cause flooding in the area.

The building is currently owned by three men, one of whom was made bankrupt earlier this year.

Blackburn Products first alerted the council to the problem more than 12 months ago.

The firm originally hoped the building would be demolished and talks took place with the owners.

But the council decided to take legal action and have obtained an order against the three owners of the mill at Blackburn magistrates court.

The three owners were given 28 days to repair the damage to the mill or knock the building down.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will have to look at the situation a second time if no action is taken by the end of the 28 days.

The regeneration committee discussed the problem and possible future action against the owners in private.

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