ACTION will be taken against the owners of a former Blockbuster store in a town centre.

The building in Market Street, Colne, has been empty since the company went into administration in 2013.

Councillors said the building has become ‘dilapidated’ and has attracted fly-posting.

They said the door roller shutter has also become loose and is now a ‘hazard’ for pedestrians.

Members of the Colne Area Committee have now agreed to serve the owners of the building with a section 215 notice.

This is a legal notice to force the owners to improve the condition of the property or face further court action, including hefty fines.

Cllr Neil Butterworth, who represents Horsfield on Pendle Council, welcomed the enforcement action.

He said: “The condition of the former Blockbuster building is simply unacceptable and it is clear the owners aren’t keeping up with their responsibility to maintain the property.

“I hope this enforcement action now gives them the kick they need to improve their property.”

Council officers will now serve the legal papers that require work to be carried out in a set period of time.

If work is not completed the owners will be taken to court by Pendle Council.

Similar concerns have been raised in the past about the building, which was once occupied by the movie and video game rental chain.

In 2016, councillors on the committee also approved a Section 215 order to improve the building. But the condition of the building is still a concern to councillors now, prompting the latest order.

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.

Funds have previously been spent on revitalising the surrounding area, including 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.

Cllr Jonathan Nixon, who also represents Horfield on Pendle Council, said: “I would support any action to bring the building back into use. It’s an eyesore. The building is also a potential health risk to the public as you’ve got boxes and rubbish stacking up behind the shutters, which is a potential fire hazard. I would definitely be supportive of any enforcement action as a matter of urgency.”