'We wanted something people could be proud of' - Heartbreak as couple left forking out tens of thousands to fix events venue after mill demolition
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA couple breathing new life into Middleton's oldest surviving mill claim they have been left forking out tens thousands of pounds to make the building safe following a fire which destroyed the adjoining building.
Martin Cove and Paula Hickey own Lodge Mill - also known as 'the front mill' - and had transformed it into a vibrant community space before arsonists set fire to the adjoining 'back mill' on December 30, 2021.
Rochdale council's building inspectors declared the back mill unsafe and ordered it to be demolished. However, during demolition work, the couple say much of the rubble fell through their roof and landed inside their mill - home to an ice-cream parlour, Santa's grotto, events venue, and even a ghost hunting attraction.
Martin and Paula have since had to postpone events while work is carried out to repair the back wall and roof, while tons of rubble remains on the inside of their building.
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