ARSONISTS have struck at a former fire station, which has been plagued by vandals since it closed its doors.

The disused station in Union Road, near Mill Hill, Oswaldtwistle, was sold off by Lancashire County Council on behalf of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2004.

It is understood that the new owners of the site are based in Suffolk but since the takeover no new plans have been submitted and the building has been left vacant.

Residents have branded the site as an "eyesore" and complained that it attracts fly-tippers and is used as a meeting place by gangs of youths.

In the latest in a long line of incidents the building was set on fire in an arson attack earlier this week.

Youths got into the building at about 12.30pm on Tuesday by breaking down the outside wall. They vandalised the premises and set fire to a pile of paper and rubbish. The blaze spread, setting fire to a window frame and then the roof, and fire crews spent over an hour tackling the flames.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It has created terrible problems for us as it is a target for vandals and fly-tippers. It has been a nightmare.

"It is not a council site but we will be discussing this issue next week when we have a meeting with the new environmental blight officer.

"I understand the site is in the process of being sold for some type of commercial development and the sooner this happens the better for Oswaldtwistle."