PLAYING WITH THEIR LIVES
TEENAGERS are risking their lives in a semi-derelict mill which neighbours say was used as a second world war munitions dump.
The rambling Hawkshead Mill in Old Glossop has been turned into an unofficial meeting place by local youths.
Villagers say one group even has its own Facebook page with pictures posted of graffiti-daubed walls.
Youngsters even started a blaze in the mill, at the top of Hope Street, on Wednesday night.
Glossop Fire Station watch manager Simon Booth said: “The call came in of persons reported (inside the building).
“When we got there it was empty, but neighbours say they saw children running off up the hill.”
Both Glossop fire crews and a team from New Mills were called to the mill, together with police.
The small fire was quickly put out by firefighters using water back packs.
But firefighters and people living around the former fasteners making factory, realise it could have been far worse.
A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said: “As smoke was coming from one smashed window, youths were climbing through another.
“They are always breaking down doors and getting into the mill.
“The floor where the fire started, is covered in oil.”
Watch manager Simon Booth also hit upon the oil issue, describing the building as ‘high risk’.
He said just going into the building was dangerous.
When he heard the Chronicle was planning to visit, he warned: “Don’t go in alone, there are dead pigeons and faeces, hawks fly in to get the birds.”
Broken glass and rubble litter the sprawling complex.
Villagers interviewed by the Chronicle yesterday (Wednesday) claim the site was being used for drug deals.
One said: “You can see the exchanges.”
With the mill not over-looked by houses and surrounded by open countryside, there are plenty of escape routes.
Old Glossop councillor Garry Parvin said he was concerned about the possible risk to life andpromised to visit the mill and see the situation for himself.
He also said he would see if security could be stepped up at the site.
