A "dangerous" mill could be demolished after continuing problems and anti-social behaviour, Oldham's Council Leader has revealed.

In her blog, Jean Stretton has confirmed that the local authority will be submitting an application to demolish Hartford Mill.

The mill, in Freehold, has been subject to significant concerns for several years with the empty Grade II-listed building becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Councillor Stretton said: "We’ve been asking serious questions for considerable time about the wisdom of this structure remaining in place.

"I genuinely understand the beauty and historic value that many people see in heritage buildings, but this one is a total blight on the Freehold and Chadderton area.

"It’s a danger to the public, a magnet for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and is an awful sight as you travel along the Metrolink line."

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon renewed calls for action last month after two teenage girls were rescued from the mill's roof by firefighters.

Oldham Council secured an option to buy the mill, which is privately owned, in 2004 however was unable to proceed after the government ended the Housing Market Renewal scheme.

Despite the owner looking into conversion options and a 2015 agreement to transfer council-owned land adjoining the mill in order to make the property more attractive to developers, the mill has remained unused and un developed.

Councillor Stretton continued: "Renovating Hartford Mill would cost huge sums of money and who will spend that on a property with no apparent practical use?

"The situation has become an impasse – and a huge frustration to local residents – and it has to end."

She added that the demolition application process is "unlikely to be an easy or straightforward process" due to its listed building status, however it is "the best solution for the community".

As part of the planning process Oldham Council will need to submit an application for the demolition and a consultation period will be launched.

Affected properties and the owner would be consulted as well as other interested parities, such as and English Heritage before it goes before Oldham Council's planning committee.

Councillor Stretton said: "I understand the strong emotions cases like this can arouse but the prospects of ever turning Hartford Mill into housing, offices or public amenities are extremely remote.

"The private sector has brought forward no such proposals in two decades. Now it is time to think about the future – and to let it go."