COUNCILLORS are determined to end the uncertainty over the empty and rapidly deteriorating Ilex Mill in Rawtenstall.

They intend to buy the property on Bacup Road - if necessary by compulsory purchase order. And a meeting of the full council on Wednesday will be told the situation is now urgent. The council has applied for a Heritage Lottery grant to refurbish the mill and convert it to offices for council staff and police.

Councillors are expecting a decision on their bid soon after the General Election. But the mill must be in public ownership for the bid to succeed.

Council chief executive Steven Hartley has been given the go-ahead to negotiate the purchase of the building from its current owners.

If agreement cannot be reached, the council will take legal advice on the best way of obtaining compulsory purchase of the building.

Large scale plans to redevelop the town centre hinge on town hall staff and police moving into Ilex Mill.

The move would allow the present town hall and police station to be demolished for a shopping complex.

Plans are already under way to appoint marketing agents and architects and a repairs notice under the Listed Buildings Act will be served on the owners.

The council will be formally asked on Wednesday to agree in principle to the move to Ilex Mill.

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