A DEADLINE has been set for a developer to clean up the remains of an ‘eyesore mill’ which could pose a danger to children in Colne.

Council bosses in Pendle initially gave Isle of Man-based Gallon seven days to produce a plan explaining how they would remove rubble from Skipton Road site.

An 18-month battle between the authority and Gallon culminated in the council taking the company to court - and the old buiding, Oak Mill, being bulldozed in December.

But hoardings erected around the site failed to survive high winds, prompting concerns from local councillors and officials.

More secure fencing has now been installed around the land - but no remediation plans have been forthcoming from the firm.

Councillors on the Colne area committee have been told by development control manager Neil Watson that a planning notice has now been served on the owners giving them 28 days to clear the site.

Horsfield councillor Neil Butterworth said: “It’s not only a horrid eyesore, but it’s a real danger.

“This has been rumbling on for too long now, and it would seem that the owners have little regard for the safety of children.

“We had to prosecute them just to get them to fence it off, but even still children have been playing on the site.”

He also urged parents to make sure youngsters are not visiting the site until it can be made safe.

Jonny Nixon, who lives on nearby Varley Street, added: “If these developers had any sort of conscience they’d do something about it.”

Gallon, based in Douglas, was not available for comment.