CONCERNED residents are calling on the council to make up its mind over the future of a Sankey Bridges derelict site swamped with 'rats, syringe needles and tyres'.

The land, off Thewlis Street and Old Liverpool Road, close to the Pink Eye roundabout, has been the subject of plans to build a new Lidl and KFC to transform the area.

But the council deferred its decision over the proposed move at its development control committee last month, with a decision to be made in 'due course'.

One Sankey Bridges resident, Jim Corbett, who lives close to the site, has warned the council the seriousness of the matter is only increasing and urged for a decision to be made.

"The state of the land is just an absolute disgrace - it is a dumping ground and is not getting any better," said the 68-year-old.

"We are seeing syringe needles, car bumpers, tyre and general rubbish being dumped and it has got worse in the last 6-7 weeks.

"Rats are also running around - it is an eyesore and something needs to be done, it is not good for the community and is dangerous for the kids. The new development plans would stop this."

Although a date for when the application will again be considered has not been released, the council is monitoring the situation and asked for residents to alert them if issues continue.

"The planning application will be considered by the development management committee in due course - all those that have made representations will be told about the date and time of the meeting," said a council spokesman.

“It is anticipated that amended plans will be submitted to the council before that time as a means of trying to address concerns raised in the report.

"If amended plans are received further publicity will be carried out so that the public can make further representations about the proposal.

“In the meantime, if residents have concerns about waste being dumped on the site please contact the planning enforcement service. The team will investigate this matter and potentially take action if necessary.

“In addition, if residents feel that any structures are unsafe please contact the council’s building control service and the matter will be investigated."

For further information or to raise concerns e-mail planningenforcement@warrington.gov.uk or buildingcontrol@warrington.gov.uk.