From Southribble.gov.uk
Redevelopment of Wesley Street Mill in Bamber Bridge has taken a major step forward after demolition work started at the disused mill building this week.
South Ribble Borough Council has approved a demolition notice submitted on behalf of the mill owners detailing how the work will be carried out in a safe and proper manner and contractors have now moved on to the site.
The council is working with the contractors to ensure demolition work takes place in the most sympathetic manner and any disruption is kept to a minimum for people living and working nearby.
It is hoped a stone inscription of the Bamber Bridge Spinning and Weaving Company, together with a 1907 date stone, on the mill building can be reused, possibly as an entrance feature to the site when it is redeveloped.
A survey has shown no signs that any bats are present in the mill, but some further surveying work will be carried out as a precautionary measure before certain buildings are demolished.
The work is likely to take some time to complete because it is hoped as much as possible of the building materials and brickwork will be reclaimed.
Conservative Councillor Cliff Hughes, South Ribble Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for strategic planning and housing, said: "Unlocking the potential of Wesley Street Mill and neighbouring sites is one of the Conservative groups key priorities and a great deal of time and effort has gone into achieving this, so I'm really pleased that redevelopment is close to becoming a reality.
"The mill site will provide a huge boost to Bamber Bridge and the wider local economy, bringing new jobs and investment to the area, which links well with one of the council's priorities to have a strong South Ribble in the heart of a prosperous Central Lancashire.
"We're working closely with the owners to try to preserve some of the historic features of the mill building so that they can be reused as part of the redevelopment and provide a permanent reminder for future generations of the site's history."