A FORMER fire station is igniting interest from investors - after being put up for sale.

Oswaldtwistle Fire Station was shut in 2002 in the run up to the new Hyndburn Fire Station being opened in Church in 2003.

It could now be demolished to make way for a new development after being put on the market for £80,000.

The vacant building, on the corner of Union Road and Mill Hill, has suffered from vandalism since it was closed.

It was sold by the fire service to a private investor soon after shutting.

Chris Walker, of agents GVA Grimley, Manchester, said that he expects that potential buyers would want to knock down the buildings and redevelop the site for housing.

He said: "Most buyers would look at redeveloping the site because it has not been maintained and has fallen into disrepair.

"There has also been extensive vandalism and fire damage which has left the buildings structurally unsound.

"But there has been a lot of interest so far."

There is no planning permission in place for the site.

The main fire service building is one storey tall but there is also a drill tower.

As well as a large lounge area and large garages there is also an office, work room, two store rooms, a shower room and two toilets.

The site was occupied by a team of 11 part-time firefighters until the reorganisation of the fire service in the borough.

There was controversy when the crew was moved to Church and more recently when the new Hyndburn Fire Station lost one of its fire engines in a review.

The building will be up for sale at auction on Wednesday, July 18, at Manchester Airport. For more information contact Pugh and Co on 01772 722444.