Harkness says ‘affordable housing’ should be built on Bailey Mill site in Delph
Garth Harkness speaks from the Bailey Mill site in Delph
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor, Garth Harkness, has told Saddleworth News he hopes any new building work on the site of the former Bailey Mill in Delph will incorporate affordable housing for local people.
The devastating blaze
Many people contacted Saddleworth News following the blaze that destroyed the mill to express their concerns about the sites future use, with many expressing the view that if new homes are to be built there they should be within the financial reach of local first time buyers – especially young people.
Cllr Harkness said: “It is thankful that no injuries occurred as a result of the recent devastating fire at Bailey Mill.
“The co-ordinated response in tackling the fire and subsequent rapid arrests were impressive.
“We have lost a historic building which is sad but for a considerable time Bailey Mill has been causing issues with dumped rubbish and vandalism and the owners have done their best to tackle the problem but it still persisted.
“I have previously met with the owners of the mill along with Councillor Heffernan and former Councillor Roughley and had positive discussions with the regeneration team. I know the owners have always been keen to ensure a sensitive development occurs.
“Unfortunately there had been a number of obstacles put in the way for a development in the recent past. I have since been back in contact with the owners and renewed my offer to work with the owners and Oldham Council to ensure we get a sensitive development as soon possible.
“We know that more houses will be built in Saddleworth and we should protect green spaces and instead make use of previous developed sites such as Bailey Mill and I would like to see ample provision for affordable housing and local first time buyers and not just a series of large executive houses.”
The mill closed down in 1996 and since that time it has remained empty and its future was always uncertain.
The old Delph Donkey railway once ran along the front of the mill stopping at Delph Station with the last passenger train running on Saturday 30 April 1955.
A number of teenagers were arrested in connection with the recent blaze.
Below is an audio interview with Cllr Harkness.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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