RARELY used legal powers are to be invoked to rid Harrogate of a derelict eyesore which has become a haunt for drug addicts.

Councillors are set to use compulsory purchase powers to take over a large detached house, listed - along with its neighbours and the former County Hotel, now an Indian restaurant - for its architectural and historic merit.

The imposing property, overlooking part of the town's 200-acre Stray, has been empty for more than a quarter of a century and has been the subject of complaints from neighbours for several years.

The latest involve rat infestation and use of part of it as a drug den.

The condition of the building is now deteriorating fast, but attempts to persuade its owner, Allan Worsman, a property renovator based near Worksop, Nottinghamshire, to take action have failed.

A repairs notice was served last November demanding action by April.

There has been no response and now the council seems determined to take action.

If compulsory purchase powers are used, the council will then sell the house, in Devonshire Place, and compensate Mr Worsman from the proceeds.

Council conservation officer Peter Fisher will seek cabinet consent for the move on Wednesday.

He said there has been no attempt at repair since Mr Worsman bought the property four years ago.

Mr Worsman obtained planning permission to convert the three-storey house into four flats but it still has boards at the windows of the ground and first floors, and smashed panes of glass in the second floor windows.

Mr Fisher said there had been complaints from neighbours about rat infestation and the use of the rear extension by drug addicts.

Solicitors acting for Mr Worsman said he is trying to sell the house and that they would contest any attempts to obtain a compulsory purchase order, which they said would undervalue it, with "maximum vigour''.