HOUSING developers have been urged to pull down a "rat infested" former town centre landmark.

Fed-up residents living behind the former Lido cinema on Bradshawgate say their lives have become a misery with homes affected by rats, pigeons and the smell of animal faeces which they claim comes from the building.

The Lido cinema building, which used to house Laser Quest, has been empty for the last four years. Two years ago, Irwell Valley housing association gained planning permission to create two leaning towers which will house 36 two-floor maisonette-type apartments.

Residents who live on Clive Street said work to demolish the building has never started and have demanded that work begins immediately to help rid their street of vermin.

John Wilkinson, spokesman for residents on Clive Street, said: "The problem seems to be getting worse, there are rats coming into our gardens and we are constantly clearing away dead rats which have been killed by cats.

"The smell which comes from the building is horrendous, especially when the weather is warm. We have tried to speak to people at Irwell Valley, but so far we have not had that much response.

"The Lido cinema used to be a nice building but now it is a mess. We feel the building needs to be knocked down and work should be started immediately."

A spokesman for Irwell Valley housing association said they met with NW Pest Control on Monday to discuss steps to be taken on the vermin problem.

He said: "Irwell Valley has received an enquiry from one resident and attempts have been made to discuss and clarify the necessary procedures before redevelopment can commence, which we anticipate will be late summer. "

"We are working with all the parties involved to ensure the site is fit for further essential work to continue."