A DERELICT fire station is set to go under the hammer next week following years of arson and vandalism attacks.
Oswaldtwistle Fire Station on Union Road, near Mill Hill, is being sold at Manchester Airport with a guide price of between £70,000 and 80,000.
But the 1,040 square yard site, which includes a drill tower, garage, staff room, shower room and two toilets, had already sparked interest with a number of pre-auction bids above £80,000.
Chris Walker, of agents GVA Grimley, in Manchester, said there had been considerable interest with at least six pre-auction bids which had been rejected.
Mr Walker said: "We've had a good level of interest and a number of pre-auction bids both above and below the guide price but the local authority hasn't yet received any planning applications."
The station was in use until 2002 when it was replaced by the new Hyndburn Fire Station in Church and was then sold in 2004 by Lancashire County Council on behalf of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
It was sold to owners believed to be based in Suffolk but has remained derelict and has been branded an eyesore by residents who claim it has attracted fly-tippers and arsonists.
Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I welcome the sale of the site and I hope whoever buys it will sort it out and clear it as it has been a constant source of problems for the people of Oswaldtwistle."
The site will go up for auction on Wednesday and any interested parties can contact the auctioneer Pugh and Co on 01772 722444.
