Photographer forced to relocate 'fears for future'

Steven Bristow said he had been forced to cancel and refund all of his bookings

A photographer has said he fears for the future after a council asked businesses to immediately vacate a historic mill site in Derbyshire due to safety concerns.

Bolsover District Council said on Monday companies currently working out of Mill One of Pleasley Vale Business Park had been asked to leave after it received advice from Derbyshire Building Control Partnership.

One tenant, Steven Bristow, said he "couldn't sleep" when he was told he had to move his photography business Click n Create Studios, which has been based there for about 18 months.

The council said in an updated statement on Tuesday: "This action is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all occupants."

Businesses are affected in Mill One, but Mill Two and Three are not and remain operational, the council added.

Mr Bristow, 39, said: "I couldn't sleep. I was there until midnight just stripping down the studio. I don't know what to do."

Companies in Mill One have been asked to leave immediately following advice from Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

Mr Bristow said his main worry was finding somewhere that was suitable to accommodate the equipment required for the aerial, pole fitness and rainfall photoshoots he did.

He said: "My concern is finding somewhere locally at an affordable cost.

"Everywhere else seems about three or four times the rent in comparison to what I was paying with the council."

Mr Bristow said he needed a space that was "more industrial" to allow for the aerial and pole rigs used in the shoots.

Mr Bristow said he required an industrial space for the equipment needed in his photoshoots

He said: "I don't know if I'm going to close up shop permanently or just for a few months.

"I need to wait and see what the council offer in terms of relocation."

The mills were used as a cotton spinning mill and munitions factory before becoming a business park

The council said: "This action is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all occupants. Mills Two and Three are unaffected and remain operational.

"The council is working closely with affected tenants to support them as they move out of the building safely and smoothly.

"Further updates will be provided once the building has been fully vacated.

"The safety and wellbeing of our business community is our top priority."

A meeting for affected tenants is being held on The Tangent Business Hub in Shirebrook between 09:00 and 13:00 BST on Wednesday.