Calls have been made for a recently closed children's home to be either occupied or demolished before it becomes an eyesore or target for vandals.

Rydal House, Chorley Hall Road, closed on February 3 following a social services review to place more emphasis on foster care.

It had previously been a Lancashire County Council-run residential unit for children aged over 14, offering support services.

A Chorley borough councillor and nearby residents are now calling for the future of the building to be resolved as quickly as possible.

Councillor Ralph Snape, who represents the area, said: "A decision needs to be made urgently about the future of the site.

"Once it is empty it could become a target for vandals and become an eyesore. We have had a similar situation for a few years with Coniston House in Tootell Street. After it closed a few years ago it was boarded up and has become a blot on the landscape."

Pensioner Vera Riding, who lives in Chorley Hall Road, said: "We are worried it will become a target for vandals. If there is no use for the building, it should be demolished."

A spokesperson for the county council said: "Since Rydal House was closed, the site has been cleared and secured.

"A review of the assets belonging to the new Children and Young People directorate is underway and Rydal House will be considered as part of the review.

"There are plans to use part of the site for a new building."