Politicians have demanded action to bring abandoned Marsden mill sites back to life.
Colne Valley councillor Donna Bellamy and MP Jason McCartney want to see the historic and iconic New Mills and Bank Bottom Mills put to new use following years of decay and neglect.
The pair expressed their ‘frustation’ over a lack of renovation work, which could re-boost the economic fortune of the village.
Currently owned by descendants of the renowned mill-owning Crowther family under the company name of John Edward Crowther Ltd, both have stood empty since New Mills closed in 2002 and Bank Bottom the following year.
An ambitious plan to regenerate the Brougham Road New Mills, which takes up a large part of the village’s centre, was accepted by Kirklees Council in 2005 and was described as a much-needed ‘catalyst’ by Clr Nicola Turner but was never acted upon.
Cllr Bellamy, said: “The lack of progress to the mills is an absolute shame.
“It’s frustrating because they own a lot of buildings here and the village would benefit greatly if something was done with them.
“We are also desperate for car parking but they won’t do anything to even help that problem.
“New Mills is now just falling down and it will cost a lot of money form them to demolish it, which it seems they’ll have to as it is in a poor state.
“Great work is going on with some of Slaithwaite’s mills and I think it’s time that similar investments are put into Marsden too.”
The 2005 New Mills planning application promised a massive investment in the village.
It included plans to create a new health centre, a restaurant, fitness centre, 32 flats and 18,000ft of business space.
No plans have been put in for Bank Bottom Mills since John Edward Crowther closed the site and let go of all 244 workers, after failing to find a buyer for the business.
Mr McCartney said: “I’ve been trying to get in touch with the company and have a meeting about it
“They have all these wonderful mills in Marsden and there are many opportunities to be realised with them and we should be urging the redevelopment of former brownfield sites.”
The secretary of the company, Edward Lee, defended the company’s actions and insisted new plans would be submitted at the right time.
He said: “As and when market conditions become more favourable, it would be the intention of the company to approach the Council Planning Department with plans for bringing the two mill sites in Marsden back into use.
“In the meantime, efforts continue to be made to keep the mills secure and watertight, although the company is burdened by having to pay significant amounts in empty rates charges to the council.
“Our company is in the final stages of the conversion of a former barn and stables at Stanley Mews, just off Manchester Road on the approach to Marsden, into six dwellings. “These will be brought to the rental market in the near future.”
