People at a converted woollen mill say they are living in dangerous conditions and being charged huge bills for works that should have been done by the management company.

James Talbot, who lives in one of the 11 apartments at Woodford Mill in the heart of Witney, said the lack of basic maintenance is putting residents, especially the elderly, at risk.

Windows in many of the homes have "gaping holes" with cold draughts and rain coming in, there is mould on window frames and nearby footbridges and access routes are also in disrepair. 

The Grade II listed building has huge historical significance for the town which was a world-famous centre for blanket making for over 300 years.

Many windows have 'gaping holes' said Mr Talbot (Image: James Talbot) "The neglect of Woodford Mill is not just a failure of property management - it’s a failure of care for the community and the heritage of Witney," said Mr Talbot, owner of HARE, with three salons across Oxfordshire.

He said management company Remus were made aware there were issues in 2018, but are trying to make residents pay for the repairs.

Mr Talbot said: "I am paying £4,500 to the management company to maintain the building every year. 

"We believe as residents that our lease stipulates that the management company are to maintain the externals of this property.

"Instead we are being huge bills to look after what we believe are areas that they’ve neglected.

"There was a single carpenter on site for 60 days and he put even more holes in the windows with the intention of filling it with epoxy resin. I paid £2,200 for that work and it blew all the glass in my windows.

"Now we’ve been given a further bill for £6,500 and I’ve been told the company is going to patch together the window frames and not replace the 15 blown glass panels which I have to do myself.

"It’s crazy, it’s literally ridiculous.

"They are going to use epoxy resin which is plastic. I am not an expert but I'm not sure if that it’s fitting with building regulations of historic buildings."

West Oxfordshire District Councillor for Witney Central ward Andrew Coles agreed the mill must be protected.

Oxfordshire County Council is aware of the damaged footbridge near the Mill (Image: James Talbot)

He said: "Woodford Mill is a very precious and historic part of our beautiful town and it should, absolutely, be maintained to a very high standard, not just for the residents that live there now, but for future generations too.

"Witney's history of blanket making is something we should all take great pride in and want to preserve. I will continue to do all I can to help and support the residents of Woodford Mill."

A spokesperson for West Oxfordshire District Council said: "As a council we work very hard to protect listed buildings as we believe all such sites should be maintained to preserve them for future generations.

"However, Woodford Mill is currently owned by a private management company, therefore, the council has no responsibility or ability to look after the open spaces or common parts."

The poor state of the footbridge has been reported to Oxfordshire County Council.

Remus said they are addressing the issues raised. They have nothing further to add at the current time.