A HOST of Egremont 'grot spots' are being blitzed in an attempt to revitalise the historic town.

Plans have been revealed which aim to convert a derelict former clothes shop into housing and retail units.

While proposals are also in place to convert the town's old Castle Cinema site into eight town houses.

These developments are part of a campaign by Copeland mayor Mike Starkie, supported by Egremont town councillors, to tidy up the town.

Permission to change the building at 5 Market Place, Egremont - formerly Tommy Kelly's shop - into two ground floor shop units and housing has been requested by the landlord.

This would include four one-bed and one two-bed flats and three two-bedroom houses. There would also be seven car parking spaces.

"It's one of the derelict buildings we have been chasing up, as soon as we found the landlord he came and had a word. There was no problem and he has just got on with it," said Lena Hogg, leader of Copeland's Labour group and Egremont town councillor.

"There is a lot of land behind the property and all we can say is thankfully - at last - we are getting rid of one of the derelict buildings on Main Street."

The landlords on the old cinema site are currently in the process of selling a second hotel in Wales, and councillors hope work will begin in 12-18 months once that sale is complete.

And discussions with the landlord of another Egremont site - to turn the former Red Lion pub into a hotel - are continuing to progress.

Renovating Copeland's 'grot spots' was high on mayor Mike Starkie's list of priorities after his election.

His campaign has so far seen Copeland Council's planners give the go-ahead in March for the demolition of Whitehaven's Mark House and The Park nightclub - and clearing work has taken place ahead of the bulldozers moving in.

Mark House, a former revenue and benefits office, closed in 2004 and The Park had its last night on New Year's Eve 2005.

Mr Starkie said: "The pursuit of grot spots has always remained top of my agenda. It's been a long and arduous process but work commencing is a very positive step in the right direction.

"There is a clear determination that dilapidated buildings and grot spots will be pursued and addressed as part of the town centre regeneration programme."

When it agreed to the demolition, the council ruled that the northern part of The Park building, which housed the former Whitehaven swimming and Turkish baths dating back to 1884, will be retained as a stand-alone section.

The remainder of the site will be levelled out and used as a car park until a permanent development is agreed.