ANGRY residents and councillors in Harwood are demanding action over an "eyesore" area they claim has been forgotten.

Developers Gleeson Homes submitted plans two years ago to build 46 retirement flats on the site of a disused sawmill in Bradshaw Brow.

The proposal was given outline planning permission but there has been no action since.

The developers have now lodged a fresh altered bid to build 54 general-use flats with 64 car parking spaces.

The application was submitted in October and Bolton Council's planning chiefs are due to consider the plans.

However, the disused buildings have since been destroyed in a suspected arson attack and residents say the "eyesore" area has been left to rot.

Planning rules say developers have three years to finalise their proposals after being granted outline planning permission.

Lynne Owen, aged 55, who lives next door to the site, said: "We are all fed up as it is just a big mess. The plans looked really nice then nothing happened. We live in a residential area not a building site. It is just not on."

Neighbour Tara Lofthouse, aged 29, said: "It's disgusting. We just want something to happen with the site quickly."

Now Harwood councillors are to launch a survey to assess the views of residents over the controversial site. There are fears the new application would cause traffic problems.

Bradshaw councillor Walter Hall said: "It is a right mess at the moment and residents just want something to be done."

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "At present the site does have outline planning permission for 46 sheltered accommodation apartments. That scheme was approved in August 1999 and the developers have got three years from that date to submit their detailed proposals.

"In October last year we received an application from Gleeson Homes. They wanted to build 54 apartments on the site but no decision has been made."

A spokesman for Gleeson Homes said the issue was a matter for Bolton Council's planning department.