CALLS are being made for action to deal with a derelict petrol station that locals claim has become an eyesore and is now attracting vermin.

The old Vale Garage site on Long Street, in Thirsk, has been disused for many years and people have regularly complained about its appearance.

In recent years work has been done to improve the old station with wood boards fitted over the run-down buildings.

Now members of the Thirsk Regeneration Initiative (TRI) claim part of the roof has since collapsed and it is letting vermin in.

Chairman Peter Walker said: "It is on a major route into the town for people. The place needs to be put in a state that reflects the picturesque nature of the rest of the town.

"It’s been an eyesore for some time and the TRI has approached Hambleton District Council and they say they will hopefully make things happen.

"Part of the roof has gone in and pigeons and vermin are getting in and its become a health risk."

The former filling station ceased trading many years ago and it stands in a prominent position on Long Street.

Thirsk Town Council has joined residents in condemning the site and in calling for action to be taken on it.

Local county councillor Gareth Dadd said: "The owners of these premises are doing a great disservice to the town.

"So many people make a great effort to make Thirsk a welcoming and attractive town and this garage is an eyesore.

"As a district councillor also I know the council is doing everything in its power to get the owners to act on this shameful property with little effect."

The district council’s environmental health team said it did not know of any problem with rats and pigeons.

Susan Bolland, a district environmental health team leader, said: "We would need some evidence of a problem there before we took it further.

"We would need to do an assessment and look to see what problem there was and if we could then resolve it."