4 days Ago
Action is being taken at a mill site after police raised "serious concerns" about the environment after chasing a suspect. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) published an image of the area surrounding Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe following the discovery of a 658-plant cannabis farm last month. The drone image shows huge piles of waste close the site, which officers came across while pursuing a suspect.
Issues being addressed by Bury Council at Pioneer Mill include enforcement of "an accumulation" of waste and investigating possible emissions from the site into the nearby River Irwell. Referring to the picture, Bury police said: “Our officers conducted a warrant at a mill in Radcliffe which uncovered over 650 cannabis plants. "We found this after chasing a suspect over the land which raises serious concerns for the environment after what we came across.
” In the past week, Bury Council have responded to concerns about environmental harm and other activities at the mill complex, which houses several businesses. At a full council meeting, Radcliffe First member Andrea Booth said: “The recent police activity at Pioneer Mill has yet again raised the issues of criminality, health and safety and pollution. “What are the council currently doing to support the police in making this area safe?” Responding, cabinet member Sandra Walmsley said: “Following the discovery the council are currently working in collaboration with GMP and have convened a multi-agency group bringing together enforcement agencies including GMP, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, public protection, planning, building control, Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA).
“Due to the complexity of the site at Pioneer Mill there are various enforcement responsibilities beyond the control of the council. “Each enforcement agency have their own statutory and discretionary powers and responsibilities. “This approach is enabling the council work with partners to coordinate site assessment and compliance.
” She said that the council’s fly-tipping enforcement officers would react to any incidents and that the authority is currently taking enforcement action on "an accumulation of waste" on Milltown Street. Cllr Walmsley added: “The council is working with partner agencies and all businesses at the mill investigating concerns which include the escape of waste into the surrounding area and River Irwell. “I am not able to comment further so as not to prejudice ongoing investigations, but can give the member assurance that all agencies are working collectively to address the concerns regarding operations at the site.
” With regard to the cannabis raid at the mill, a police spokesman said no arrests have yet been made. He added that GMP have been working with the council and immigration since in response to issues surrounding the find..
