WARNINGS ABOUT THE OLD PAPER MILL

The disused paper mill at the bottom of Hermitage Street is being repeatedly broken into and used as an area for congregating by local youths and Cllr Clare Cleary has instigated steps to have the site cleaned up. She and the other Rishton Councillors will shortly be conducting a house-to-house survey and petition to get the owners to do something with the site, which has now deteriorated into something of an eyesore.

Mr Tim Mitchell, Headmaster of Norden High School, has also issued letters to pupils warning against playing inside the old building. He said, "I have been made aware that a number of young people, some of whom are believed to be students at our school, are frequenting a disused factory opposite Riverside Industrial Estate."

He added, "I have been reliably informed that this building represents a significant health and safety risk as a result of both its condition and the asbestos used in its construction. I would ask all parents/carers to remind their children of the hazards of trespass, not least to their own wellbeing. We will be making this clear to all our students through the assembly process."