A BUILDERS' merchants, which owns an eyesore block of derelict shops in Leyland, has pledged to bulldoze the lot to help improve the look of the town.

C&W Berry's has applied to South Ribble Borough Council planners to demolish the run-down row of former shops at the traffic lights in Towngate, near Booths.

If the plan goes ahead the family-run firm, based in Golden Hill Lane, intend to build warehouse facilities for their outlet in King Street.

For many people the plan cannot come soon enough, especially as the town celebrates the opening of the Tesco Extra supermarket this week, down the road.

Leyland Central councillor Matthew Tomlinson believes the demolition of the four old shops is well overdue. He said: "The block has long been a blight on the landscape of Leyland. People will be glad to see the back of them."

And supermarket bosses at Booths in Towngate believe, as traders, the builders' merchants has to play its part in the redevelopment of Leyland.

Deputy manager of the firm, Ashley Williams, said: "Any local business should be progressing with the town and do their bit to help keep it nice and tidy. Like us, I'm sure many would be glad to see the block of old shops go."

For about two decades Berry's has owned one of the middle properties in the block and acquired the other centre property about three years ago.

Then, in the first half of this year, the 48-year-old company bought the former Bragg clothes shop at the end of the block near King Street -- which closed about ten years ago -- as well as the former charity shop on the opposite side.

But Berry's boss, David Berry, says the company wants to knock them down in order to help spruce up the area and make it safer for passers-by. Mr Berry said: "The end two properties have not reached this state of disrepair under Berry's ownership. For the benefit of all I would like to see all the properties demolished to make them safe."

The proposed demolition comes as council planners decide whether to recommend the demolition of another 'grot spot' in the town, the former Leyland Tiger, following an application by Rowland Homes.

Plans for the one-time popular boozer include building a three-storey block of 12 flats and four houses on the pub's site at the junction of Leyland Lane and Longmeanygate. Planners are expected to make their recommendation on the plan to councillors some time next month.