Concerns are mounting over a disused building in Whitehaven town centre, with fears it could become an eyesore.

Brackenthwaite Care Home has stood empty since its closure earlier this year when residents moved to The Gables - a new multi-million facility in Whitehaven.

But people are now concerned the old Barckenthwaite building will fall into a state of disrepair and are calling on the county council to take action.

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, which the care home falls under, said: “I think instead of collecting old buildings the county council should have a plan. I will be asking the relevant people what’s going to happen to it.

“Are we just going to let it fall down or do something with it? I will be tabling the question when I meet with Catherine Whalley, assistant director of social care at the county council.

“I would like a range of options of what we could do. It’s a reasonably decent building. I’m sure we could come up with some innovative idea to use it for the benefit of the town.”

The Gables Care Home, which was built on the former Sekers Whitehaven site, replaced four older ones in Copeland, including Pow Beck House at Mirehouse and Brackenthwaite.

Since Pow Beck closed, youths have been entering the derelict building despite it being sealed off by the county council.

Concerned Whitehaven resident Christine Wharrior said she hoped that Brackenthwaite would not suffer a similar fate.

“I don’t want to see it fall into a state of disrepair like Pow Beck which is totally dilapidated.

“There’s nothing worse as a building that’s left like that. It attracts children - they are having trouble at Pow Beck. The council shouldn’t leave buildings like that.

“I just think it could be done quicker. It seems to take such a long time for something to happen.

“It’s in a prime place. It’s in the centre of town. Single units would be wonderful for people of a certain age.

“I don’t see any problem in demolishing it and then making a decision on planning. We are trying to move Whitehaven forward and make it a nicer place to live.”

Carl Walmsley, who represents the Whitehaven South ward on Copeland Council, said: “It really frustrates me that such fine buildings are left to rot. Something should be put in place before they come out of them.

“It will continue to lose value, become derelict and become a huge eyesore in the town which will no doubt then attract youths like we have recently had in Pow Beck, which then leads to safety fears.”

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “Brackenthwaite House is part of the council’s plans to develop Extra Care Housing across the county.

“These plans are currently being developed internally. More information will be issued in due course.”