THE OWNER of garages plagued by arson attacks and used as a drinking den has been ordered to clean them up or pull them down.

Neighbours say the row of garages, in Belgarth Road, Accrington, next to St Joseph's RC Church, have been set on fire several times and should be pulled down.

Last July, James Parkinson, of Burnley Road, Accrington, who owns some of the garages, said he was selling the buildings and land. Eight months later Mr Parkinson has said the matter is still in the hands of his solicitor.

The notice was served by Hyndburn Council on February 20, and gave Mr Parkinson 28 days to comply.

Father Martin Saunders has been at St Joseph's Church for two years. He said: "There is vandalism and it's like a drinking den for teenagers. There is a fire practically every month.

"They are an eyesore and they have upset the neighbours and people who come to the church. It's not a very nice aspect when people are getting married. It's not very pleasant at all and it's a health hazard."

Hyndburn councillor Malcolm Pritchard, of Milnshaw ward, said: "I'm very pleased something is finally happening."

Jane Whyte's Nutter Road home overlooks the garages. She said: "We moved here in November and they have been set on fire twice."

Another resident, Kenneth Morgan, said: "They keep setting fire to them. It's about time they were bulldozed.."

Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's police commander, said: "It has been an ongoing juvenile nuisance problem. Last summer there were quite a few problems. We have been aware of it for some time and giving it a lot of attention."

Mr Parkinson said: "I sold them last year to a builder and there are going to be houses built on it. I want it sorting because it's not fair to residents but solicitors take their time."

Brendon Lyons, the council's head of planning, said: "We are aware there is a potential purchaser but the council will have to consider whether to demolish them and bill him."