A PRESTON councillor is pushing for swift action to be taken over the future of Horrockses Mill, in New Hall Lane, following a fire at the historic building.

Coun Harold Parker is meeting Preston town clerk Jim Carr this week to discuss finding funds to tackle the problems with the historic building.

Fire officers say the ground floor of the 19th Century listed building was torched on Friday, and around 30 clothing workers had to be evacuated.

A Fire Service spokesman confirmed that the fire was started deliberately and that two pumps attended the scene.

No-one was injured in the blaze, which was reported at around 12.45pm.

Recently the landmark has been targeted by juveniles, and there have been regular break-ins and fires.

Just weeks before, firefighters were called to the building to extinguish another blaze.

Coun Parker said: "Something must be done. It's a tragedy waiting to happen.

"I will be taking the matter up with the town clerk this week. The council is trying to get the resources and some ideas for the mill together but it is a process which takes time.

"It is perhaps significant that the latest incident has taken place during the Easter holidays. We need to do something before the summer break.

"Children will play with matches and we need to do something to save children from their own actions."

Anyone who saw people acting suspicious around the building on Friday should contact Preston police on (01772) 203203.