Mill buildings protected

Thirty former mill buildings from the golden age of the textile industry were listed today as of special historic interest.

The move to protect the mills in Greater Manchester, announced by Heritage Minister Lord Inglewood, adds them to 60 already listed.

Lord Inglewood said: "There were once around 2,400 mills in the Greater Manchester area. Yet by 1992, nearly half of those buildings had been demolished. It is important that we act now to preserve them for future generations."

The decision to add the buildings to the list comes after recommendations from English Heritage after a comprehensive study.

The former mills include 11 in the Bolton area, six in Oldham, nine in Rochdale, two in Salford, four in Stockport, four in Tameside, and one in Wigan.