A DANGEROUSLY unstable industrial chimney could be finally set to be demolished a year after it was badly damaged in a fire.

Hyndburn Council is now seeking emergency powers to removed the Grade II listed Rhyddings Mill chimney in Oswaldtwistle.

The landmark was damaged in September and demolition work began in January.

But the precarious 100ft chimney still towers above nearby homes.

Council building officers say the need for the site’s owner to proceed is now urgent as the building is becoming increasingly unsteady.

A new report says that as thieves have removed supporting steel beams and coping stones, the chimney has developed a large vertical crack along its north side.

The adjacent engine house has also developed a variety of large cracks and the walls are ‘showing movement’.

Though a 28-day notice to remove the danger was served on owner Bubble Holdings Ltd in March, the chimney remains standing.

Bubble Holdings commissioned a survey, which concluded the chimney was dangerous, but it so far has not followed the report’s recommendations.

Hyndburn Council has now used emergency powers to earmark £30,000 for the demolition and have the building de-listed with English Heritage.

The council says it would recoup any demolition costs from the owners.

Ward councillor Peter Britcliffe said: “I have been pressing for some time for some action on this issue and am pleased at this progress.

“However, residents will only breath a sigh of relief when the chimney is demolished.”

Bubble Holdings was unavailable for comment.