Bunhill: Trouble at t' mill

AS THE Lancashire tycoon Owen Oyston lobbies to build a pounds 150m 'international colosseum' in Blackpool, which would be bigger than Wembley stadium, I understand another of his schemes is falling down.

The flamboyant Oyston had to meet councillors at Rossendale, Lancs, to plead for more time to sort out an unfinished development there.

The Ilex mill, a fine early Victorian building at Rawtenstall, has been empty for more than a decade. The council have now told Oyston to develop or demolish it. One small problem: it's listed. And even if Oyston goes to a public inquiry, the council insists he make Ilex weather-proof meanwhile.

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