OWNERS of a historic mill building have been ordered to carry out works, or face prosecution.

Somerset West and Taunton Council issued the order to Mancraft Ltd, owners of Tonedale Mill, which has fallen into disrepair.

The order, which was given on June 5, demands the owners carry out a number of works - or risk prosecution.

Among the list, the owners have been told to put up a secure fence around the site, or board up all windows and entrances.

A spokesman said: "The notice is issued to the owners and tenants by post and then site notices are attached to the perimeter of the site, so anyone who passes the site can see it.

"The order asks the site owner to clear all open spaces of foliage growth, rubbish, glass, rubble, disused materials, and old, dilapidated vehicles and caravans.

"Any salvageable materials should be stored within one of the accessible buildings at Tonedale Mill.

"No machinery should be removed from the buildings on the land without prior consent.

"Remove all areas of fallen timber fencing and ensure that fence is secure around the extent of the perimeter of the Land.

"Ensure that all window openings in buildings which are accessible at ground floor level are fully boarded and secured."

The owners have been given eight weeks from the date of issuing to carry out the works.

But for some, this action is not enough to secure the mill's future.

“These are welcome moves against the owners by Somerset West and Taunton but Mancraft Ltd has simply watched the mill decay during its near 10 years of ownership,” said a spokesman for campaign group Wellington Mills CIC.

“The council has many more powers under the Historic Buildings Act that it can use to increase the pressure to begin the regeneration of Tonedale.”

In May 2018, another urgent works notice was issues to Mancraft, over unauthorised works to Tonedale House.

Developer Mancraft Ltd had been reportedly carrying out unauthorised works at Tonedale House.

Tonedale House is part of the historically significant Tonedale Mill complex.

The council said the unauthorised works had undermined the structural integrity of the building and harmed its historic fabric.