A derelict mill building has been sealed off by a local authority to stop vandalism and arson.
Hyndburn Council has acted after repeated acts of anti-social behaviour by teenagers at Rhyddings Mill in Stonebridge Lane, Oswaldtwistle.
Its officials have declared the building, hit by several fires in recent years, unsafe and strengthened the perimeter fence to deter intruders.
The Grade II heritage listed mill built in 1856 in the Rhyddings Conservation Area has been empty and derelict for some years.
The council action over the landmark building followed complaints from St Andrews ward councillors Steven Smithson and Peter Britcliffe.
Cllr Marlene Haworth, leader of Hyndburn Council said: “Over recent weeks Hyndburn Council have received several reports of anti-social behaviour at Rhyddings Mill, Stonebridge Lane, Oswaldtwistle.
"Officers have visited the site and following a recent inspection have deemed the mill building to be dangerous under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984.
“As a result of this, work is being carried out by the council to robustly secure the perimeter of the mill in order to prevent further access to the site.
"Thank you to residents for reporting issues and I encourage everyone to continue to let us know of concerns that impact the local community, so we can take the necessary action.
"I know that ward councillors Cllr Steven Smithson and Cllr Peter Britcliffe have both worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome and thank them for their efforts to make our community a safer place for us all to enjoy.”
Cllr Smithson said: "The building is derelict and has been empty for several years.
"There have been numerous fires and acts of vandalism in recent years and months caused by teenagers entering into it.
"There are bales of industrial waste inside the building which they set on fire.
"This action by the council to strengthen the perimeter fencing is welcome and long overdue.
"There have been several proposals to redevelop the building over the years which have come to nothing.
"It's become a real eyesore and blight on the neighbourhood.
"What we need now is a plan to redevelop the site for the future."
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