Residents fear for children's safety |
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A CHILD could be killed unless action is taken over dangerous buildings, a Wardle resident fears. Ted Bolton said he has been complaining to Rochdale Council about the state of the Wardle Mill tannery for the last five years. The buildings, off Knowl Syke Street, have not been used for most of that period and children have been breaking in. He said: "The buildings are dilapidated and have become a playground for children. My wife Hazel and I have taken children home who have hurt themselves while being in there. Damaged "A fire seriously damaged one of the buildings three years ago and we're worried a child could get themselves killed. "I've got a letter from the council dated October 1999 which said that if nothing was done within |
there, because anything would be better than what is there at the moment." Mark Dalzell, Rochdale council building control manager, said: "We've been in con- tact with the owners of Wardle Mill. During an inspection of the site, contractors employed by the company were there and we were able to give advice about |
seven days the council would secure the buildings and bill the owners. "It was boarded up two months ago, but the children soon broke that down and started getting back in." The buildings are owned by Nantwich-based Strong International and were re-opened as a tannery for a few weeks last year. Mr Bolton said: "The area around the tannery has also become a fly-tipping site. There must be at least 10 tons of hardcore outside the tannery and I've had to knock locks off large fridges left there in case the children lock themselves in." Mr Bolton added: "The best thing that could happen would be for the mill to be knocked down and the area to be landscaped with somewhere to play for the children. Otherwise houses could be put on |
making the premises secure. Keeping the property secure is the building owner's responsibility."If youths are causing a nuisance on the site we will advise the owners again of their duty to maintain security of the site." The Observer was unable to contact the buildings' owners for comment. |
Concerned ...Ted Bolton at Wardle Mill tannery building |
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From The Observer Saturday 19th June 2004 |
