Safety checks due after mill masonry alert

Calderdale Council had to bring in their emergency sub-contractors, Haven, to make Cinderhill Mill safe after masonry fell onto Halifax Road, Castle Hill, Todmorden.

The demolition team, with their two cherry pickers, were given a police escort from Halifax through gridlocked traffic. The road was closed for more than 12 hours causing traffic disruption for many in the upper Calder valley.

A crowd of on-lookers gathered to watch the team of demolition experts assess the situation from above before tackling roof frame timbers with sledge-hammers and chainsaws and then reducing the walls down to a safe level.

The stone from the walls was placed inside the remains of the building, which has been minus a roof and open to the elements for some time.

A spokeswoman for the council said the owners had been sent the bill and were going to conduct a full survey.

Planning permission had been granted to Greengrass Developments Ltd in January 2002 for the site of the former spinning mill near Woodhouse Road for 17 dwellings and a mill conversion to provide eight apartments.