'My son's lucky to be alive' says mum after leg break in derelict Halifax mill

A mum has asked for a listed mill to be 'knocked down' after her son broke his leg after trespassing.
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Haley Middleton, 37, of Ovenden, said her son Jack Middleton, 13, broke his right leg and heel on October 11 after he fell from a 20-foot fall in Old Lane Mill, in the Boothtown area of Halifax.

Now the concerned mum is raising awareness regarding the lack of safety measures surrounding the listed building, which was built in 1825.

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She said: "I want to make people aware of how dangerous this mill is.

Jack Middleton, 13, broke his right leg and heel on October 11 after he fell from a 20-foot fall in Old Lane Mill, in the Boothtown area of HalifaxJack Middleton, 13, broke his right leg and heel on October 11 after he fell from a 20-foot fall in Old Lane Mill, in the Boothtown area of Halifax
Jack Middleton, 13, broke his right leg and heel on October 11 after he fell from a 20-foot fall in Old Lane Mill, in the Boothtown area of Halifax

"My son Jack was playing in the mill with his friends when he fell - it's not safe.

"He's in a cast right up to his groin.

"He could have died and I wouldn't have my son, it's not worth thinking about."

Over the years, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it has received numerous reports of fires being deliberately set within the 19th century mill.

Leg in cast after 20-foot fallLeg in cast after 20-foot fall
Leg in cast after 20-foot fall
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They have found much of the mill to be in poor condition, with significant damage to floors and staircases posing even greater risk to those entering the building.

This also puts fire crews at risk as they then need to fully search the mill following reports of a fire.

"It's need knocking down, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

"The safety is poor. There's no borders on the windows and if the mill stays, there needs to be a high fence around it to stop people getting in," said Ms Middleton.

Jack at home in OvendenJack at home in Ovenden
Jack at home in Ovenden
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"Something needs to be done because a child could die next time, and I wouldn't wish that on any parent."

According to Historic England, the mill is listed under the Planning Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

A spokeswoman from Historic England said: "The Old Mill in Halifax is a Grade II* listed site that is on the Heritage at Risk register due to its poor condition.

"Saving the site has been a priority for Calderdale Council for several years, and Historic England has been supporting the council and its owners to try and find a solution.

Old Lane Mill, in Boothtown. Picture supplied by: Historic EnglandOld Lane Mill, in Boothtown. Picture supplied by: Historic England
Old Lane Mill, in Boothtown. Picture supplied by: Historic England
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"We strongly encourage owners to keep their property secure, which in turn will help to keep local people safe and prevent crime.

"We also urge people to avoid entering vacant or derelict sites due to potential dangers that could lead to accidents.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Jenny Lynn said: “There are a number of old mills in the Calderdale area and some are in a poor state of repair. This includes Old Lane Mill, outside Halifax town centre and we strongly urge against any trespassing at this site.

“The mill is privately owned and not only is trespassing on this, or any other site, illegal, it’s also incredibly dangerous. Buildings of this type can contain a number of hazards, such as weak or rotten flooring which is liable to collapse, missing staircases, windows and loose roof tiles. They can also contain potentially damaging materials that can affect the lungs or cause other diseases.

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“Our Community Safety wardens work with the Police and building owners to prevent anti-social behaviour and trespass at derelict buildings. We also encourage parents to emphasise the dangers involved to their children to ensure they understand the potentially devastating consequences of ‘exploring’ these buildings.”

A set of guidelines for this can be found on the Historic England website: www.historicengland.org.uk