Published: 12 Sep 2014 15:30
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Paton’s Mill, in the north of Johnstone, is thought to be the oldest surviving machine factory in the world.
But it has yet again been targeted by firebugs who set the A-list building ablaze on two separate occasions last week.
Last week The Gazette reported how, at a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Property Board, permission was given for what is left of the mill to be torn down.
The decision was made after the mill, first built in 1782, was deemed “useless” by council bosses and history experts.
Local residents have since given mixed views over the decision, which could see the area turned into a new housing development.
The proposals, submitted by Stallan-Brand, could see the part of the factory flattened and converted into 79 new homes and retail units.
But many in the community wanted to see everything possible done to try and preserve the mill.
One Johnstone resident, Lynn Moore, described the decision as “disgraceful.”
She said: “It’s disgraceful that this has been allowed to happen, yet again, another piece of Johnstone history getting wiped out. Sad times.”
Meanwhile, another local woman Margaret Braceland agreed, saying: “A few years back a company in NI wanted to buy this to turn into flats. And they got turned down. It’s a disgrace how they let old buildings become like this, and let’s face it another building company got to build across the road.”
However Johnstone man Scott Walker said he was relieved to see the building gone.
He said: “About time, it’s an eyesore, as much as it is sad to see a big bit of Johnstone history disappear, it will stop the vandals burning it every weekend.”
The Mechanic’s Machine Shops, the Fire Proof Building, Stair Tower, the Dye Houses, Boiler House, the Mill North Gable, warehouses, long shed and Courtyard Store as well as the facade retention of East Range North will all be no more when the demolition is complete.
Those involved have yet to decide how the building, which sits opposite Morrison’s will be flattened.
It could be a “controlled demolition”, which sees explosives used to safely bring down the building, or heavy machinery.
Speaking of the decision, Marion Taggart Boyce, who once worked at the mill, said: “Very sad to see it set on fire, and now being demolished.
“I worked there many years ago as did my family. It would have been better to have preserved it years ago as a historical building, and could have been used as a tourist attraction the same as New Lanark.”
Local residents Alex Jenkins also commented: “Unless the council or government decide to support the retention of our historic buildings like this, they are doomed.”
The council have said that was impossible due to the state of the building but said anything which could be incorporated into a new building will be looked after.