COUNCILLORS have called on The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) to demolish an eyesore building after complaints that it had become a centre for anti-social behaviour.

Thirsk county councillor Gareth Dadd and Mayor of Thirsk Councillor Janet Watson said the RFCA’s former cadet hut on Castlegarth in the town had stood empty for a year since a new base was launched at Thirsk School and Sixth Form.

Following the move, the RFCA applied to demolish the detachment’s former wooden building, on the protected heritage site of Thirsk Castle, but was told it had to meet conditions set by English Heritage to preserve the area.

The councillors said the derelict building had been broken into and that nearby residents had endured drug-related anti-social behaviour.

Coun Dadd said: "After some pressure the conditions to the application have been met and approved by Hambleton District Council and it now falls upon the RFCA to remove this building for the betterment of the town and more importantly local residents.

“It is unsightly, adds not a jot visually, and with a superb new cadet headquarters is unnecessary."

Coun Watson said she had received many complaints over many months if not years about the building.

She added: “It is now surplus to requirements and has done nothing but attract a convenient place for anti-social behaviour.

An RFCA spokesman said it would have already demolished the building if it had not been constrained by planning conditions.

He said: “We are awaiting a response from English Heritage. We have got a plan in place that caters for all the peculiarities of the site.

“We will get it demolished as soon as possible.”