BUSINESS owners at Marsh Mills have won a victory against plans to turn the building into housing.

But now they face a new battle - getting the message through to their customers.

The Luck Lane businesses include a gym, antiques dealership, glazing and catering firms and a dance studio.

They faced closure when the mill owners, London- based Safeland, applied for permission in April to turn it into housing.

They wanted to knock part of it down to build 19 houses.

There were also plans to alter other parts of the complex to create a further 31 flats and some office space.

Kirklees Council's planning committee were set to refuse the scheme in May - but Safeland withdrew the application before a decision could be made.

However, the Marsh Mills businesses - which employ around 90 people - say many customers still believe they are under threat.

Jill Maloney, owner of Maloney's Gym, said: "People don't seem to know that the application has been withdrawn. People keep asking when the mill is coming down or when we are leaving.

"Trade is suffering. We just want people to know that we are still here and going strong. "We believe we are safe."