FIREFIGHTERS from Hollins, Chadderton and Oldham station were called out yet again to derelict Hartford Mill yesterday (Tuesday).

Crews spent half an hour putting out a rubbish fire on the second floor at around noon which they say was started deliberately.

The building has attracted vandalism and anti-social behaviour for some time.

There have been many calls to demolish the “dangerous” structure, including from Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon after two teenage girls were rescued from the mill's roof by firefighters in January.

Oldham Council secured an option to buy the mill, which is privately owned, in 2004 however was unable to proceed after the government ended the Housing Market Renewal scheme.

Despite the owner looking into conversion options and a 2015 agreement to transfer council-owned land adjoining the mill in order to make the property more attractive to developers, the mill has remained unused and undeveloped.

Calling for it to be removed earlier their year, former council leader Jean Stretton said the demolition application process is "unlikely to be an easy or straightforward process" due to its listed building status, however it is "the best solution for the community".