A FORMER supermarket which has been targeted by vandals since it closed five years ago is set to be renovated.
The former Lodges supermarket in Holmfirth town centre has steadily deteriorated over the years.
Three Holme Valley South councillors say the building is an eyesore and have suggested it should be compulsorily purchased.
But owner Mr Naheed Afzal, who is also manager of Medicare chemists, of Marsh, said the building is to be refurbished.
It is currently on the market with Trevor Ward and Associates.
Planning permission has now been granted for a number of shops within the building and there will be a cafe on the mezzanine floor.
Mr Afzal said there had been a number of setbacks over the past five years because of several changes of architects.
"We are working on it and want to sort it out. It needs refurbishing and the electrics and other things need repairing," he said.
Councillors Nigel Patrick, Donald Firth and Kenneth Sims criticised the current owners for failing to do something constructive with either the building or the site.
"It is dilapidated and an eyesore which encourages vandals. Something needs doing urgently," said Clr Sims.
"Local improvements in the town centre such as the footbridge at Norridge Bottom are being overshadowed by this building.
"We think the building should be subjected to a compulsory purchase order and we intend to look into this possibility."
Mr Trevor Ward said the delays came about because of interest by Kirklees Council which came to nothing and the length of time it had taken to obtain planning permission.
