DERELICT eyesore Huncoat power station should be demolished by September.

But it is likely to be several years before the site is developed for employment purposes. Demolition contractors began work at the site on June 3, Hyndburn economic development board was told. Knocking down the chimney and all the remaining buildings, with the exception of the administration building, will take about three months.

The contractors will also fill underground holes and repair the boundary fencing. National Power has agreed to foot the demolition bill despite being involved in a long-running legal wrangle over the ownership of the site.

Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn, said: "I welcome this action by National Power which will achieve the council's initial objective of making the site safe.

"The council is pressing the owners of the adjacent administration building to follow the lead set by National Power," he added.

Huncoat councillor Malcolm Ranger, said the people of Huncoat welcomed the demolition. "It has been an eyesore for too long but it has not been the council's fault.

"It inherited a very bad situation, difficult to untangle and even more difficult to explain to people."

Access, reclamation and provision of services are all obstacles to the development of the site in the near future.

Councillors confirmed a previous council decision to pursue compulsory purchase of land at the power station.

Councillor Dawson said: "The council's long-term objective is to achieve development of the site, which will have a significant impact on the economy of Hyndburn and East Lancashire."

The site is allocated for employment purposes in the borough plan but if market demand and barriers to development remain, treatment and greening of the site may be sought.

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