A CHILD could be maimed or killed at a former factory premises in West Craven which is being targeted by young vandals, a councillor fears.

Police in Barnoldswick have issued an appeal after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a new roof lining at the old Albert Hartley textile manufacturing premises in Crownest Road.

Intruders have used to metal poles to smash a number of panels at the warehouse, known locally as the Old Drill Hall, which is currently under renovation.

Police community support officer Mark Hyde said: "As well as the damage being caused there are obviously real dangers of young people entering partially-demolished buildings.

"The owner has taken every reasonable precaution to protect the site and is also installing several covert CCTV cameras covering the site.

"For parents, if your children play in this vicinity, please speak to them about the dangers of playing in such areas."

Police and councillors suspect that the building has proved tempting to teenager as it is located just a stone's throw from Victory Park.

Cllr Jennifer Purcell, a Barnoldswick councillor, said: "You don't want a child to be maimed or lose their life when they get into this building and fall. There's only so much you can do in terms of security.

"We should be alerting the local schools as well because the Old Drill Hall is close to the park and this is what could be attracting young people to go in there and cause problems."

Earlier this year it was announced that discount supermarket giant Aldi was interested in building a foodstore on the Crownest Mill site.

Back in 2012 there was keen interest when plans to develop a larger store on the Albert Hartley site was selected of two rival bids, on land off Wellhouse Road for Tesco, and for another prospective Aldi development, by Pendle Projects Ltd, on the former gasworks yard land off Skipton Road.

People who witness youths breaking into the site, or know anything about the most recent damage, can contact West Craven police on the non-emergency number, call PCSO Hyde on 07811 417 714 or e-mail mark.hyde@lancashire.pnn.police.uk