A FIRE-damaged mill chimney is in such a dangerous condition that it should be demolished or repaired immediately, according to council officials.

Bosses at Hyndburn Council said they were so worried about the state of the 100ft chimney at the Rhyddings Mill site in Oswaldtwistle that an official notice has been served on the building.

It means that the owners of the site, which was wrecked in a blaze in September, have 28 days to take action, or face legal proceedings.

Hyndburn Council said it was still waiting for an application to demolish the chimney and the remainder of the building.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said the chimney was now a matter of urgent public safety.

He said: “I am extremely concerned about the chimney and I know it is very worrying for residents.

“The state of the chimney is such that it needs either immediate remedial works or demolition.

“I am calling for the owners to come forward and take action. It is a disgraceful way for the local residents to be treated.

“They do not know if the chimney is going to come falling down at any moment.”

The notice to improve the state of the site has now been served on owners Bubble Holdings Ltd, who have 28 days to respond.

A major fire damaged the site, gutting the grade two-listed mill when 40-foot high flames tore through it. And although contractors pulled down outer walls in September, work then ground to a halt.

Ward Coun Brian Walmsley said residents were becoming impatient.

He said: “All people want to know is when is it coming down? We find it difficult to get a straight answer.

“After the fire we were told the chimney was coming down in just a few days, that was months ago.”

Owners of the mill, Bubble Holdings Ltd, were unavailable for comment.