POLICE moved in to evict squatters from a Grade II listed building after social media reports suggested it was to be used for a weekend rave.

Six officers led by a sergeant peacefully removed the group from the vacant Horncliffe Mansion in Rawtenstall on Saturday morning.

The 11-bedroomed Victorian house in Burnley Road, near the Edenfield border, has been empty and semi-derelict since 2009 having been used for some years before as a hotel, wedding venue and care home.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Inspector Andy Winter said: “We first became aware of the handful of squatters, around three or four, a week ago.

“After seeing some traffic on Facebook about a possible rave or event taking place there on Saturday night, we obtained a temporary closure order.

“A group of six officers were sent to Horncliffe Mansion to remove the squatters.

“They left peaceably and without trouble.

“A police presence was maintained overnight in case people came to attend the rave.

“However no-one turned up.

“If the event had taken place there would have been a considerable potential for anti-social behaviour.”

Inspector Winter said yesterday a decision on whether to proceed with a permanent closure order, scheduled in Blackburn Magistrates Court at 10am today, would be taken in the light of events and contact with the owner.

Rossendale council tourism champion and Rawtenstall councillor Andy MacNae welcomed the police action.

The former borough regeneration boss, who represents Hareholme ward, said: “I am pleased the police took sensible and proportionate action to prevent problems.

“This was once a beautiful building which could have a great future and become a tourist attraction for the borough, “The council would happily work with anyone who wants to bring this magnificent building back into use.

“It has now become a magnet for squatters which is tragedy.”

Built as a private home for local mill owner and businessman Henry Hoyle Hardman in 1869, ambitious plans to turn it into a family home never came to fruition.

In June 2016 firefighters had to be called to the premises after a small rubbish fire, discovering two squatters living in the building.