Council taking demolition action on dangerous chimney
A historic industrial chimney in Lancashire is to be demolished, after a fire left it damaged beyond salvation.
Hyndburn Council is seeking emergency powers to allow demolition contractors to take down the Grade II listed Rhyddings Mill chimney is Oswaldtwistle, following the fire last September. Significant amounts of demolition have already taken place on the surrounding mill structure, but the chimney has so far remained in place.
A council spokesman said that pressure had been mounting on the mill's owners, Bubble Holdings Ltd, to do something about the chimney, after a report indicated its growing instability. A 28-day notice was served on the company to address the danger in March but, as the structure remains standing, the council is now forcing action.
A large vertical crack has developed along the tower's north side, after thieves and looters removed steel beams and coping stones.
The council is seeking to have the building de-listed by English Heritage, in order to proceed with the £30,000 project, the costs of which will be reclaimed from the owner.
Head of planning for the council, Simon Prideaux, said, "The buildings present an immediate risk to the safety of the public and surrounding buildings. The owners have been advised to take immediate action to remedy the danger."
