Bradford Council is expected to take emergency enforcement action to save Manning-ham Mills.

The historic landmark is being hit by vandalism, theft and disrepair. Parts have been empty for about ten years and the massive Victorian building has suffered as one grandiose scheme after another collapsed.

At one stage the mill was expected to become the northern outpost of the Victoria and Albert Museum, housing its famous Asian collections.

And three years ago Liverpool developers produced a £35 million scheme for leisure, shopping and birds' eye flats but had to drop out.

Council officers estimate basic preservation work would cost £500,000 including security. But the bill for complete restoration would be about £4 million.

Now the officers will recommend Thursday's planning committee meeting to take enforce-ment action against the owners of the mill, Lister & Co plc, which went into administration last autumn.

The officers will tell members the mill is being ruined because parts of it have been empty for so long and neglected.

In its heyday the textile mill employed 5,000 people and velvet produced there was bought by the Royal Family for ceremonial robes and curtains.

Its 255-foot Italian style chimney can be seen from almost every part of Bradford.

But the committee will be told a survey commissioned by the Council, English Heritage and English Partnerships shows although the massive building is structurally sound, urgent action must be taken. People have been reported for removing valuable York stone floor flags and water is coming in through roofs stripped by thieves.

The officers say enforcement action against the owner could include prosecution and a possible £20,000 fine for the owners - but they recommend more positive approaches. The Council could serve an enforcement notice requiring the owners to do the work.

But officers suggest detailed talks should take place between the Council, English Heritage and the regeneration agency English Partnerships

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