A FORMER mill site in Whitworth that has been targeted by arsonists numerous times over the years has been set alight again.

Three fire crews from Bacup and Rochdale were called to Albert Mill, off Market Street, at 9.10pm on Tuesday.

Watch manager Chris Howarth, from Bacup fire station, said the fire was set deliberately.

He said: “Nuisance rubbish fires tie up fire service resources when they could be needed at a house fire or road traffic collision where somebody is trapped and requires an immediate response.”

Rossendale Council planners passed plans to transform the site into 49 two and three-bedroom properties in May.