A DERELICT former Halesowen button factory site has become an “eyesore” and needs to be tidied up according to local councillors.

The former James Grove & Sons office building on Stourbridge Road has fallen into disrepair since the company moved into a new factory nearby and sold the land.

Belle Vale councillors Bob James and Jennifer Dunn have been fielding complaints from residents about the state of the site which they want to see tidied up.

Care home firm Bondcare which owns the land was granted permission to demolish the building and build an 82 bed care home in June 2009, but consent expires on June 23 this year.

The company said this week it still intends to build a care home on the site but did not comment further.

Councillor Bob James said: “It is an eyesore. The council has requested the site be cleaned up but unfortunately that can only be a request because there is no danger to public health.

“The site has been left to go to rack and ruin - the whole frontage onto Stourbridge Road looks a mess.”

James Grove & Sons, which has sold buttons since 1860, moved into a new factory on land nearby off Stourbridge Road around five years ago.

New two and three storey homes have already been built on the remainder of the site of the former office block.

Bondcare, based in Hertfordshire, was granted permission for a three-storey care home with 22 parking spaces.

A spokesman for the company said: “This development is still at the forefront of our minds.

“We plan to develop a high quality care home in the near future, providing care services for elderly people.”