A FORMER children’s home in Nelson should be made the subject of a repair notice, councillors were told.

Lancashire County Council sold off the premises in Barkerhouse Road to a private developer in January 2012.

But the property is boarded-up and the roof trusses are exposed.

Planning manager Neil Watson said in a report: “ The building appears to be dilapidated and is visually damaging the amenity of the area.

“We have received complaints regarding its’ condition and have contacted the owner with a view to securing either the improvement to the building or preferably a long term use of the site. We have been informed that the roof was removed as having it on affects the rates paid on it.”

He is recommending that a notice should be served on the owners, under the Building Act, requiring them to improve the building.

The Nelson area committee will rule on the issue on January 6.