WORK is underway to create Atherton’s ‘riviera’.

The diggers have rolled in to Victoria Mill in order to clear out the two disused lodges, reservoirs of water that were once used to power the mill's steam engines.

One of the lodges will be filled in order to extend the car park but the other will be cleaned out before it is refilled with water and fish to create an oasis where Atherton residents can come and fish for free or just to relax in a new picnic area.

Landlord Gordon Tickle, one of the people who helped transform the mill, said: “We took over the mill five years ago and we have breathed life into it.

“We have filled it with retail and leisure facilities and the last piece of the jigsaw is to increase the car park.

“The lodges have been here since the mill was built in 1879 and we have checked there is nothing living in them.

“We have checked with all the relevant agencies and have all the licences that we need.”

Along with the fishing facilities, fruit trees and more than 5,000 spring bulbs will be planted in order to attract wildlife and create a tranquil area in the heart of the town.

“We want to create somewhere for people to come and fish or just relax and be,” added Mr Tickle.

“It has been a mammoth project but this is the bit I have been most looking forward to since day one.

“It’s like we've baked a cake and this is adding the icing.

“We are calling it Atherton Riviera.”

The mill was a derelict shell when Atherton Estates took it over but it now contains numerous retail units and independent businesses as well as a roller rink, paintballing and a children's soft play area, creating more than 90 jobs in the area.

The work is being undertaken by J Yates and Sons and SH Landscapes.