PROPERTY developers are pointing the finger at urban explorers who enter derelict mills to take pictures.

In recent nostalgia galleries The Oldham Times has published the inside of derelict buildings across Oldham that were once full of life.

The former mills are falling apart and those from the area reminisce about what they once were.

John Taylor is the planning and property lead at Purico.

The property development company recently took on the sale of the former Fletcher Paper Mill in Greenfield, Oldham.

He said that the company has hired 24/7 security.

He said: "The rise of the urban explorer is causing property developers thousands of pounds.

"When these people sneak into old buildings, they take pictures and post them on social media, it causes a rise in thefts because people see them empty and that's why criminals sneak in.

"We have paid for security since taking on the former mill and he is constantly turning people away off the site, there has been 168 people who have tried to trespass so far."

In recent reports The Oldham Times also raised concerns about the future of the town's listed buildings.

As part of the regeneration of the town Oldham council bosses have defended the state of the town’s buildings and say proposals to restore some are in future plans.

Dale Kershaw takes pictures around the UK and posts them on social media.

He said he wants to capture the historic buildings in this moment in time before they are completely gone.

He said: "You would not believe how many people comment on the pictures and they love to see the inside.

"In the mills for example, I take pictures of those in disrepair before they are either bought or knocked down

"Obviously with the listed building this won't happen but the insides will be fully revamped and the history is gone."

Most buildings built between 1700 and 1849 are listed but not all are the council’s responsibility.

That's why before they are bought by property developers, people can get inside of the buildings.

Mr Kershaw added: "The fact that the images are popular on social media is because people like to look at the heritage.

"Those that break in purposely and make the thefts has nothing to do with me, the buildings are derelict and unoccupied."