Bradford Council has been accused of turning a blind eye to an embarrassment, making a laughing stock of the city.

The allegation has been made by deputy leader of Bradford's Liberal Democrat group, Councillor David Ward, who says the old Odeon cinema has been allowed to rot.

Coun Ward said: "It's an embarrassment. It's not just weeds growing on it now, but trees as well. It's an awful eyesore in a prime location right next to the Alhambra and media museum.

"The irony is that it belongs to Yorkshire Forward, which is supposed to be a support to us in helping redevelop and regenerate the city.

"Instead it is making Bradford a laughing stock with tourists. It is being completely irresponsible."

He continued: "This should be an enforcement issue.

"Any other business that made this kind of mess would be tackled and action taken against them, but this big regional development agency is getting away with it. The Council has been turning a blind eye to the hideous state it is in."

The Odeon, which opened as a picture house in 1930, has been empty for more than six years. It has been at the centre of a debate as to whether the double-domed structure should stay or go.

Ideas for its development were sought as part of a competition run by Bradford Centre Regeneration but despite a winning scheme called New Victoria Place by a consortium called Langtree /Artisan/Carey Jones being chosen, a planning application has still not been put in.

The site is earmarked among a £55m development of offices, apartments and a hotel as part of a plan to regenerate the city centre.

There is still no timetable for the work to start, said a spokesman for Bradford Centre Regeneration, who said talks between all the partners involved in the scheme, the planners and Council were still on-going.

Coun Ward said: "Whatever happens it has to happen quickly."

Yorkshire Forward said it had already paid out more than £60,000 in the past to remove weeds from the building but was aware they had returned.

A spokesman said: "Although they have not been deemed a health and safety risk, we are seeking contractors to carry out further work on the building."

A Council spokesman said Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Centre Regeneration had now been told about Councillor Ward's complaint and a response was awaited.

Coun Ward said: "I'm sad there is still no news on when the development will start but whatever happens it has to happen quickly - the building must not be allowed to deteriorate even more."