A PLEA has been issued to tidy up an ‘eyesore’ half-finished housing in an area of Burnley which has seen major redevelopment over the past few months.

Plans for 34 apartments at ‘Birchfield Mews’ part of the former Taco Works off Sycamore Close in Gannow, were given approval nearly nine years ago, for Holme Park Developments.

But neighbours have been left looking onto a partially-completed complex, surrounded by razor wire, for at least two years, after building work there ceased.

An arson attack devastated one of the properties, in the Sycamore Park area, on Christmas Day in 2013 but the building was later repaired.

Cllr Charlie Briggs, who represents Gannow ward, had received complaints, along with colleague Cllr Neil Mottershead, regarding the site over the Christmas and New Year period.

He said: “People have complained to me about the green hoarding, which surrounds the site and Neil and I have been in contact with the borough and county council over this to get it put back up.

“It could just be that the recession happened and this led to the development not going ahead.”

The councillor has held previous meetings with the developer, still believed to be Holme Park Developments, and there were indications that building work may restart there soon.

He added: “It is a a real shame because it is a lovely little area and it has a lot going for it.”

But no answer came from the last known number for Nelson-based Holme Park Developments, which is no longer listed as a trading company.

The mews development is just a stone’s throw from the new Life Church, which was finally completed and opened last December, after a 10-year fundraising campaign which will eventually see £3million invested there.