DEMOLITION work has begun on a Nelson town centre landmark.

The derelict Printworks building on the corner of Albert Street and Every Street is soon to be completely removed to residents’ relief.

Pendle Council was given special permission by the Government to carry out the work due to the building’s location in a conservation area.

Brian Cookson, Pendle council’s executive director for regeneration, said: “This derelict building has blighted a prominent location on Nelson’s town centre one-way system for years.

“It’s a real pleasure to finally be able to remove this blot on the landscape at last.”

Iftekhar Bokhari, Whitefield Senior Regeneration Officer, added: “We are grateful for the continued support from the community which is taking an active part in the development of the area and helped to support the demolition of the building.”

The demolition has also been welcomed by local residents.

Mrs Julie Ralston, who lives in one of the recently-modernised terraced homes opposite the Printworks, remembers the area from childhood.

She said: “It’s just nice to have the place nice. We’ve really friendly neighbours and good people round here.

“It’ll be nice to have an eyesore knocked down. This area had got run down and it’s nice to see it coming back up again.”

The Printworks dates from the 1880s and was once the home of the Nelson Leader newspaper.

The next major development will see two neighbouring terraces on Every Street fully modernised, while retaining the properties’ historic appearance.

Road have been closed around the Printworks while demolition continues.

It is understood that the site will be temporarily landscaped once the work is completed until a permanent use is agreed.