SEVEN months ago a fire tore through a derelict Brighouse property, leaving it in a dilapidated state.

Residents living nearby had hoped the building at Gooder Lane, long thought of as an eyesore, would be demolished or at least rebuilt.

But instead they’ve been left looking at a ruin they fear could collapse at any moment.

Now they’re calling for action, gathering a petition with more than 60 signatures of residents who want to see the run-down flats pulled down.

Joe Dunkerley, who has run neighbouring Victoria Garage for 20 years, said: “It’s a disgrace it’s been left like this for so long.

“What’s more worrying for me is that the support which has been holding my building up has been disconnected.

“I’m worried it could fall on my garage at any moment.

“Somebody came along to start demolition and they took the timber and the expensive stone away, but they’ve not come back since.”

The suspicious fire happened on June 30 last year at 2.30am.

The building was divided into four flats and fortunately no-one was inside at the time.

The explosion left the building unsafe, with bowed walls and a roof in danger of collapsing.

In the aftermath of the fire, Mr Dunkerley was unable to use the forecourt at the garage and was restricted to using the rear entrance.

And because scaffolding was erected round the block of flats, it forced pedestrians to walk out into the road as the pavement was blocked off.

Mr Dunkerley added: “I hope something is done because the worry is this could go on for years.

“There are a few blind people living nearby who have to walk out into the road because the pavement is closed off – it’s just not safe.”

Building work commenced in December 2009 after a six month delay.

In the meantime, the pavement has been out of bounds, meaning people have had to step into the roadway.

And residents have said the building is in a dangerous state, with it open for people to trespass in and only half of the building is supported.

Jamie Wilson lives opposite the flats and organised a petition demanding action.

He said it was about time something was done about the eyesore.

“A load of scaffolding was put up and work started and we felt a bit positive that something was being done.

“But they’ve not been back for six weeks now and half of the scaffolding has been taken down.

“It’s one big white elephant no-one seems to want to take on.

“But it’s affecting our neighbourhood and it is a right mess.

“It may sound very dramatic, but if a wall fell down and injured or killed someone it would be a different matter and people would have to get involved.”

Mike Terry, Calderdale Council building control manager, said: “The council acted quickly to make the building safe when this incident happened last year.

“Since then we have been working closely with the owner to try and find a solution and we are now looking at what further action we can take.”