AN old town hall which has been blighted by vandalism and has become an eyesore looks set to be converted into new offices.

But the former Kearsley Town Hall which is owned by Bolton Council has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, neighbours claim.

The building was hit by fire in December and the blaze tore through the roof.

People living nearby say thieves have since been stealing lead and slates from the building.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The building is in a terrible state.

“The fire in December came through the roof and it’s just been left like that.

“I’ve seen someone stripping lead off the roof and you can see someone has been at the slates too.

“Bolton Council has definitely neglected the building.”

Another concerned neighbour, whose house backs onto the building, added: “It is a big eye sore and that’s the complaint of a lot of people in the area.” The council has said it will not be carrying out repairs to the building.

This will be done as part of the refurbishment by the new purchaser, Hamill Investments.

Planning permission to turn Kearsley Town Hall into offices has been approved.

The company is looking to complete a deal for the property within four weeks.

Refurbishments are then set to start in about two months’ time, the company said.

Hamill’s Director Simon Neill said: “We accept it is an eyesore and that’s why we are keen to get started.

“The plans are approved and the finance is in place.”

Once work starts, the company anticipates the revamp will take between six and nine months.

The old town hall was used by the probation service from 1980 but has now been empty for three years.