ACTION is being taken against the owners of the former Blockbuster store in Colne because it has become an 'eyesore'.

Councillors in Colne have approved a plan to force the building owners to improve the appearance, or face a court imposed fine.

The prominent building has been empty since the movie and video game rental chain went into administration in 2013.

At Thursday's meeting of the Colne Area Committee, Cllr Joe Cooney recommended a Section 215 order to improve the building which was then approved by the members.

He said: "It's becoming an eyesore in the town centre.

“The former Blockbuster building is starting to look very shabby with paint peeling off the walls and vegetation starting to grow in the gutters and the roof. "Despite repeated attempts to communicate with the owners, Pendle Council has been unable to get any future plans from the building owners who are based in London."

Cllr Cooney added: "We have tried to engage the owners but they have failed to engage with us, so it’s only right we now try the legal route and force them to take some remedial action.

"They went into administration, but I don't know who the administrators are. All I know is that they are based in London."

Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides a local planning authority with the power to take steps requiring the land to be cleaned.

Councillors on the Colne Area Committee have requested regular updates on the progress of the building.

Funds have previously been spent on revitalising the surrounding area, with a £150,000 project to revamp Colne town centre in 2008 and a further £400,000 handed over for improvements by Sainsbury's in 2010.

Horsefield ward councillor Steve Petty said he was hopeful taking legal action would finally see an advancement in the plans to improve the former Blockbuster store.

He said: “We know there are interested parties who want to take on the property and bring it back into use but we can’t assist with that until the owners engage.

"Hopefully by taking this legal action it will force them to sit round the table with us and agree a plan to get the building back having a positive impact on our town centre rather than the unsightly mess it currently is.”