DR Brian Iddon’s fascinating look at cotton mills in last week’s Looking Back gave readers the opportunity to reminisce about their days working in the huge buildings where cotton was spun.

Falcon Mill was the cotton mill Brian focussed on as it was close to his home and had been a part of his life for so long.

He tells us that by February 21, 1975 the Hill Top Conservation Area in Halliwell was extended from two acres to 20 acres to include the Delamere Street clearance site so that new homes would be built in keeping with the 200 stone cottages surrounding them.

This was clearly a decision based on the understanding of Bolton Council that Falcon Mill and the cottages surrounding it — where mill workers would once have lived to be close to their employment — were vital to the town.

Falcon Mill, built in 1903 and deemed a building of architectural interest was included in this plan.

On November 3, 1989, Coats Viyella announced the closure of its Falcon Mill Spinning Division, where 230 people were employed.

Then, on November 19, 1992 Coats Viyella was granted planning permission for Dutch Connection to use the vacant Falcon Mill in Halliwell (which closed in 1990 when 230 employees were made redundant) for wholesale furniture distribution.

“The Grade II listed mill built by the Falcon Spinning Company, transferred to Barlow Jones, then to Viyella Yarns in 1985,” explains Dr Iddon who has meticulously recorded a timeline of many events and decisions made in Bolton.

Dr Iddon is a former Bolton councillor and MP with a keen interest in his adopted home town of Bolton’s history.

We would love to hear your mill memories for a future Looking Back feature.

Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk