A DERELICT cotton mill has been branded an ugly, dangerous blot on Atherton's landscape.

Proud Athertonian John Woods is urging action to rid the town of the building (pictured) which he claims is its biggest eyesore.

"Almost every window on Atherton Mills fronting Bolton Old Road has been broken and falls of glass regularly occur with obvious danger to people passing below," says Mr Woods who would be glad to see the old mill flattened.

"The building and adjoining ponds are an eyesore and an ever-present danger to life and limb.

"This building is now an affront to the memory of a once proud industry."

Asking for Council intervention he has written to Chief Executive Stephen Jones.

Mr Wood said: "Atherton is my home town and I am proud of it and concerned that this building seriously detracts from Atherton's image and actuality.

"We get used to seeing it but, if we stand back objectively the thing is an insult, an offensive eyesore and no advertisement at all for the town. If that building was pulled down the scale of Bolton Old Road could be properly appreciated once more.

"Goodness knows what prospective purchasers of new homes in the Valley must think when they view that towering monstrosity of a derelict throw-back to the past."

And the retired NHS administrator, who grew-up in Cambridge Street and who's mother worked at the cotton mill, said: "Planning laws would forbid the erection of such a monstrous pile. Can not these same laws be used to prevent it remaining in existence?"

A Council spokesman said: "Our judgement is that the building is not sufficiently dangerous to justify the use of legislation for demolition.

"There has been a problem with children gaining access through gaps in security fencing. The owner has been contacted and this is being resolved." BG

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