WORKMEN moved on to one of Burnley's worst eyesore sites on Monday morning as Burnley Council put into action its new get-tough policy on untidy land.

Contractors and earth-clearing equipment got to work on the site of the now-demolished Victoria Hospital in Thursby Road.

The privately owned land has been a cause for complaint from nearby residents since last year.

Earlier this year the council brought in a new system for dealing with such complaints.

If land owners do not respond to clear-up requests, the council will, using powers in the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act, order contractors to do the work and then bill the owners.

Work began at 8.30am with guidance from Sue McNulty, from the council's planning team, who was on site. After clearance the land will be grassed over.

The chairman of the council's planning and environment committee, Councillor John Greenwood, said: "We felt it was time private owners realised they had a responsibility to the environment

"This demonstrates that the council means business and will take action."

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