A CONTAMINATED former factory is likely to remain a problem for several months because Pendle Council has no powers to buy it and cannot afford to clean it up.

The old Hycrome (Europe) factory in Knotts Lane, Colne, has been empty for more than seven years since the company moved out and is now derelict and partially-collapsed.

Pendle Council claims the use of the site in the metal plating industry has left it contaminated with copper, cadmium, chromium and nickel and they are now taking legal action to force Hycrome to clean up the site.

However, the company, based on Heasandford Industrial Estate, Burnley, has appealed against the enforcement notice which will now delay any solution to the problem. The council also currently lacks any powers for compulsory purchase of the site and cannot afford the estimated £200,000 costs of cleaning the site themselves.

One possible solution is a planning application for houses on the site due before the council in September which could pave the way for a clean up.

If the application fails the council will then legally be able to buy the site.

The site is within a residential area and surrounded by houses, which has caused concern among locals and councillors.

Coun leader Alan Davies said: "The site is in a fairly advanced state of dereliction and is a real nuisance so a resolution to the problem would be very welcome.

"If the planning application for housing fails then the council will immediately start proceedings for a compulsory purchase of the site."