AN angry resident is demanding that Bolton Council flatten a derelict mill opposite his home.

Bill Dempsey, 64, of Gladstone Road, Farnworth, says he and fellow residents are sick of the sight of Albert Mill Number One which has been lying derelict for years.

"I can't stand it. It's just a blot on the landscape and yet no-one seems able to accept responsibility for it."

And according to Mr Dempsey in addition to being an eyesore the four storey mill is also smelly and a potential danger.

"Because it has been derelict for so long people have started to tip all sorts around the back and when the wind is in the right direction you can smell it all up the road."

He went on: "And it's dangerous. The children are always playing near it. Some of them smash windows and some of them climb on the roof. It wants pulling down."

Steve Burns, Bolton Council's head of economic and physical development, said: "Planning permission to develop the site for housing has been granted. We believe that developers from the private sector are interested in this site but nothing is imminent.

"In this particular case the council is positively encouraging development of the site."

He emphasised that the site does not include the garage at the side.

Farnworth councillor Noel Spencer said: "I agree the place is an eyesore and I have every sympathy with the residents.

He said the council was unable to flatten the mill because it is not council property."

"But we will do all we can to facilitate a deal between the owner of the mill and the developers."

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