A DERELICT factory hit by fire for the second time in 30 days could come down after a legal block barring its demolition was lifted.

Firefighters were called to the site of the former Noel's pickle factory, Stanhill Lane, Oswald-twistle, on Wednesday night.

The building has become a target for arsonists since the firm closed down over seven years ago. Residents have also complained of youngsters vandalising the property and men meeting there to drink.

Hyndburn fire safety officer Chris Caton said: "Our concerns are that young people are getting in and it is like a big playground for them. Aside from the fact that they are starting fires, they are wrecking the place, breaking windows and ripping things up. It is very hazardous in there, particularly at this time of year when the kids are on holiday.

"Children could climb on the roof and there is the risk of them falling through. There is also a live electricity sub station on the site that needs to be dealt with.

"We need to get the site secure. These fires won't stop until the building is knocked down."

Coun Brian Roberts, St Oswalds ward, has been meeting with residents to find a way to redevelop the site.

He said: "The site is being plagued by vandals and anti-social behaviour. There was a fire less than a month ago and several fires before that.

"The site could not be redeveloped or demolished because a Co-operative Society that used to own the land still had covenants forbidding any alterations to the structure of the site." However, he said that was due to be dissolved and it is hoped that plans for the site will be drawn up soon.

Coun Roberts maintained that residents were adamant they don't want to see another industrial business on the site and have instead given the nod to a proposal for housing.