WHAT now for the residents of Low Mill village? It seems rather ironic that, having fought so hard to establish a wool scouring plant on the site, the company Straume UK is pulling out less than three years after opening.

But the ups and downs of the wool industry will concern villagers less than the future of the once again empty mill on their doorstep.

For some it will be good news. They fought an often bitter battle to try to prevent the wool scouring business being established on their doorsteps, only to be defeated at the planning stage. There will also be celebrations as people say goodbye to the unpleasant smell emanating from the plant and lingering in the vicinity since its opening.

But over the last few years, there are many people who have grown to accept the plant as another part of the Wharfedale landscape.

Management has also been willing work with Addingham villagers to try to solve problems that have arisen, such as lorries getting lost and driving through the village.

Plant managers agreed to pay for road signs to be put up on the bypass to direct transport the right way, so less inconvenience was caused.

When the wool processing business closes its doors for the last time, Low Mill residents will be in some ways, back to square one.

Empty buildings do nothing but crumble and the housing developers will soon be hovering like vultures over the area. There may be many in Low Mill village and Addingham as a whole who are sorry to see Straume UK disappear.