Closure order extended for Wigan's historic Pagefield Mill as it continues to be blighted by anti-social behaviour

The three-month order for Pagefield Mill in Swinley – initially put in place in June – was extended at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court.

It will now remain in place until December, with trespassers potentially facing an unlimited fine and imprisonment.

Wigan Council has worked alongside other organisations in the the Place and Community Safety Partnership to obtain an extension to the order following repeated reports of anti-social behaviour.

Coun Kevin Anderson, the council’s portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “I am pleased to see this extension be granted and I hope that by making it a criminal offence to trespass onto the site, it will highlight the seriousness of this behaviour, as well as the dangers posed by this site, which is in a serious state of disrepair.”

The privately owned listed building was once a hive of activity as a mill and then a college building, but has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years and become a target for vandalism and arson.

Coun Anderson added: “In the past closure orders have proven to significantly reduce the number of people trespassing on the site and the number of calls to the emergency services.

“This allows our emergency responders from Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to concentrate their efforts and makes the best use of their resources in the area.”

Wigan Central councillor George Davies added: “After the many fires and reports of anti-social behaviour on the site, the extended order will reduce the number of young people trespassing.

"My fellow ward councillors and I would like to thank our council officials and emergency services who have dealt with Pagefield Mill over the years and the residents who have lived in fear with past fires.

"We are calling on everyone to keep away from this mill and keep away from its dangers.”