A Farnworth businessman is considering looking for a new base after part of the Victorian mill he leases came crashing down into the car park.

David Jackson, who runs double glazing firm Astra Windows, was horrified to learn that tons of bricks from the wall had come tumbling down over 100ft just an hour after he and his employees had left work on Monday.

Only two days earlier, Mr Jackson had spent £1,000 having the car park resurfaced so it could be used by customers and his 14 employees.

During the day several cars were parked just where the bricks fell, including his own BMW sports car.

Mr Jackson joked: "I have come in my wife's car today. Hers can get crushed.

"But what is worrying is the lads in the glass shop go outside there at lunchtime and where they stand is where 30 tons of rubble landed," he said.

"If it had happened through the day and we had had customers in that would have been a nightmare."

Mr Jackson has leased part of the ground floor of the George Street mill for 11 years but says the condition of the building has gradually become more dilapidated.

Much of the huge building is unoccupied and windows are smashed or missing.

And although the firm is well established in its current location, Mr Jackson says this week's near tragedy has made him think twice about staying.

"To be honest it has put me off a bit," he said.

A building inspector has visited the premises and said it is safe for Astra Windows to continue operating there, although the car park remains cordoned off.

But local residents say the mill, which faces homes on George Street, is increasingly becoming an eyesore and should be demolished.

Susan Walsh said: "It is just a mess.

"If the bricks are coming down now then it is a warning."