PEOPLE living near a derelict building in the centre of Darlington are calling for action to tidy it up.

Residents in the Corporation Road area say the site, which used to be occupied by agricultural suppliers Parkin Ness, is an eyesore.

The building became derelict after it was gutted by fire in 1997 and it is now full of rubble and rubbish.

Residents say the site is a magnet for youths, who hang around the area at night and set fires.

They have formed a resident's group to persuade the private owners to clean up the site, which is up for sale.

Liz Johnson, who lives in Pendower Street, Darlington, says she is the worst affected because her house backs directly on to the site.

"It is a nuisance and an eyesore and it's certainly not very nice living there," she said.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said: "We are in contact with the owner and have asked them to get the rubble removed. Formal action will be taken if no progress is made in the near future."

The residents' group meets every Wednesday, at 6pm, at the Darlington Snooker Club, Corporation Road.