DEMOLITION crews have moved in to rid a North Yorkshire community of an eyesore which has been a topic for debate for years.

The old Camas factory on the edge of Brompton-on-Swale has been derelict for some time, and a target for vandals who have smashed all of glass left in the factory since it shut down.

Horses were the most recent occupants of the empty shell, albeit without the owner's consent, while a bid for housing on the site was rejected by Richmondshire District Council, which was determined the land be used for employment.

However, agents Weatheralls finally confirmed a sale was imminent towards the end of January. Bulldozers moved in early this week once a £650,000 deal was complete and much of the former Cadbury's Smash plant has already been pulled down.

Owner, Thomas Armstrong Holdings, is waiting for word from the local authority before confirming what will go up in its place. The authority has confirmed it has received a bid for a factory, offices, storage buildings and parking.

Armstongs has plants at Pickhill, near Thirsk, as well as others at Rowlands Gill, Newcastle, and Consett, County Durham. All manufacture building products

It is likely the company would be looking to set up a similar operation at Brompton-on-Swale, creating jobs.