A SECOND derelict Atherton mill is to be restored to its former glory - bringing more jobs and public open spaces to the town.

Work has already started on Victoria Mill, Bolton Old Road, to the delight of local residents.

The eyesore mill is the second major factory improvement in the town following the agreement to renovate Ena Mill.

The cash will come from the council's successful bid to the Single Regeneration Budget.

Work has already started on strengthening floors, and work for the outside is now being put out to tender and is expected to start after the summer.

Labour candidate Mark Aldred said: "It's wonderful that Victoria Mill is going to be restored after such a long time of fighting for improvements.

"This will really make a difference to the entrance to the town as well as bringing much needed jobs.

"The local councillors have tried for years to find ways of getting the mill repaired, so we are very pleased that winning money from the government has enabled us to do it."

The unsafe state of the mill building upset local residents and work on it was put as the first priority for action by the public during consultation exercises in 1998.

After hard work by the council and the willing mill owner, the Atherton Building Communities Partnership Board has now approved a scheme in principle which will see the building cleaned with new windows and new roof. New jobs will be created both in businesses already operating in the mill and with new tenants who have expressed an interest in the property.

It is also proposed that the front lodge and surrounding land will be given a facelift and opened up as a public space.

Mark is pictured with the Mayor, Cllr Evelyne Smith, outside the derelict Victoria Mill.