AN EYESORE site will be cleared of rubbish and secured after complaints from fed-up residents.

People living near the derelict Apex Mill building on Randal Street said it has been used to dump toilets, sofas and food waste.

They also said the building has been used by drug users as shelter and that it is ‘falling apart’ and is a ‘huge health risk.’

But council chiefs said the owners, Blackburn-based Adhan Developments Ltd, have now agreed to clear the rubbish from the site and secure the premises.

Cllr Suleman Khonat, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that the rubbish will be cleared and the site secured as I’ve had a lot of residents complain to me about it and it is an eyesore.

“Hopefully this will stop people from dumping rubbish and breaking into the site.”

A resident living near to the site said it had become a local tipping ground for many people.

They said: “It has been used to dump toilets, rubble, sofas, and general waste including food waste.

“This building has also been used by many drug users as shelter, and young children that go in just to explore as kids usually love doing.

“The building is falling apart and is a huge health risk for bypassers."

Gavin Prescott, planning manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are very aware of the problems around the site and surrounding area, and we have been working very hard to find a solution. I know it is extremely frustrating and unpleasant for residents.

“The owners have now agreed to clear the rubbish from the site as well as securing the premises to try and stop further incidents. They are also working with our planning department on a formal planning application to demolish the building and redevelop the site. This will be a massive benefit to the local area and should put a stop to these anti-social incidents which are a blight on the community.”

In 2010, planning permission was granted to the Adhan Group of companies to develop the site, but it has not materialised.

At the time, the red-brick Victorian Mill was described as being in a ‘poor state of repair’.

Also known as the Randal Street Works, it was originally a reed and heald-making business, started by James Haydock in the 1870s. It continued in this use until 1933.

Later uses included warehousing, animal foodstuff production and a printing works.

Adhan Developments Ltd were unavailable for comment when approached by the Lancashire Telegraph.