URGENT work is needed to prevent Burnley's iconic Weavers Triangle from collapsing.

Conservation architects have been hired by the council to carry out safety work on Victoria Mill, Sandygate Mill, Slater Terrace and the Waterloo pub.

Mark Pearce, from Manchester-based architects Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams, said some of the buildings were in a 'dangerous condition'.

He said: "The urgent works are necessary to make these historic industrial buildings safe to access, weather-tight and secure from vandalism and theft.

“The dangerous condition of parts of the buildings has dictated that urgent action has to be taken on health and safety grounds to stabilise the structures and enable other urgent works to progress.”

Burnley Council acquired the collection of buildings in March last year and have ambitious plans for the former industrial heartland. A planning application to allow the work to be carried out has now been submitted.

Artists impressions showing another area of the Weavers Triangle site were released earlier this week.

Mr Pearce said the mills were an important part of the town's heritage and the work would help keep them protected.

He said: “The buildings on the site have been unoccupied for at least five years, the majority of them for considerably longer than that, and exhibit condition issues relating to lack of use and maintenance.

“In some areas, the buildings have incurred structural issues caused by deterioration in condition and have required stabilisation works to prevent collapse.

“It is vital these historic buildings are secured and protected while longer term measures are put in place for their future development and reuse.

“Without these works, the physical condition of the buildings would continue to deteriorate."