A DEVELOPER'S plans to turn "eyesore" former offices in Gomersal into apartments, in a bid to stop vandalism and arson attacks, have been backed by residents.

The former Maccess office site, on the corner of Spen Lane and Nibshaw Lane, has been described as a "nightmare" and a "blight" by fed-up locals.

The building has smashed windows, graffiti daubed on it and has been set on fire a number of times. It is also surrounded by rubble, overgrown vegetation and metal fencing.

Swift Properties want to build 36 apartments in two blocks on the site. In the design and access statement, within the planning application to Kirklees Council, it states: "The building has been subjected to considerable serious vandalism and despite the applicant's attempts at securing the site this vandalism and arson is becoming a nuisance to local residents.

"This application for residential development has been put together as quickly as possible to allow for a resolution of these issues."

Jane Hayes-Ward, 46, of Nibshaw Lane, said: "It is an eyesore. It is a big blight on my life, a hell of a lot.

"I have to phone the fire brigade out all the time. There are kids in summer hanging about on the roof. One kid threw a brick at another kid.

"It is one big nightmare. I need it gone."

On the proposed flats, Mrs Hayes-Ward said: "If they are low-level then I am not bothered. As long as I keep my view towards Huddersfield.

Dave Rushforth, 58, of Nibshaw Road, said: "My opinion is it should have been knocked down a long time ago. It is a complete eyesore.

"I think people are building fires in there. There can't be anything left to burn in there - it must be just an empty shell.

"I would be happy to see some flats."

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "Knock it down, before they burn it down. Or, next time they burn it, let it burn down."

A woman added: "I would be happy to see some flats, rather than looking at that. It must be costing so much money for them to come out and sort it out when it is set on fire. I would be happy to see it gone."

Councillor David Hall (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) said: “It is a complete eyesore and a dangerous one at that. We have had many incidents of arson up there that is costing the public purse tens of thousands of pounds.

"Local children are getting into the building, which in itself is dangerous. And of course it looks a complete mess. It is such a shame for residents on Spen Lane and Nibshaw Lane to have to look at it."

Cllr Hall said the building used to be owned by a London company, but changed hands in about April this year.

"The new owner is saying that when he secures planning permission he will demolish it," said Cllr Hall. "We are pushing for him to demolish it now."

Firefighters have been called to 13 incidents at the building since August 1, 2010, according to West Yorkshire Fire Service.

Incident commander Tony Williams said: "We have completed an operational risk visit which highlights the hazards and risks of this specific building. If WYFRS were called again to the premise the information captured is then retrieved and used to safeguard operational personnel and members of the public, where necessary.

"What incidents of this nature highlight is the attendance of fire appliances, which could be better utilised to serve the local community and the surrounding areas."