ONE of East Lancashire's most historic buildings has become an "eyesore" after years of neglect and a fire which left half of it derelict.

The Four Oaks, Reedley, has a history of planning applications dating back to 1993 - most recently, in 2004, the present owners were granted permission to convert it into flats - but there has been no work done on the building.

But parish councillor Michael Bromeley urged members of Pendle Council's executive committee not to serve a repairs notice on the building, because this leaves the owner with the option to demolish the house, putting the borough at risk of losing an important piece of its heritage.

He said: "This was a beautiful house and was an asset to the parish of Reedley, but unfortunately it has become an eyesore.

"We would like to see appropriate action taken that would lead to the restoration of the house back to its original condition.

"We do not want the owner to demolish it."