A DERELICT nightclub which has become a target for vandals and arsonists could be converted into a residential care home.

The remotely located Benny's and Fusion nightclub in Warth Fold Road, Radcliffe, was a big attraction for legions of teenagers and young people for more than 30 years before it closed in April, 2004.

Since then, the building has been neglected and become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, with regular reports of fires, vandalism and flytipping.

The problem became so serious that Bury Council started proceedings to have the building demolished.

Now the owner of the site has applied to the council's planning department for permission to transform the buildings into a care home for elderly people.

If the plans get the go-ahead, around 18 jobs would be created, ranging from a manager and nurses to a gardener and kitchen helpers. The site can be accessed via Warth Fold Road or Bolton Road, Bury, and there would be car parking for delivery vehicles, an ambulance and staff cars.

But the badly damaged building would need to undergo major repair. Bury Council planning officers are accepting letters of support and objection to the proposals for the plan which is expected to be considered within coming months.

The plans have been given a cautious welcome by ward councillor, Bob Bibby.

He said: "We have had a lot of problems with this building since it closed as a nightclub and it is a real eyesore. There have been numerous fires started there, with the most recent being just two or three weeks ago. Children are going onto the site and it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt.

"We do not know what kind of residential home this will be and we are worried about it being a conversion rather than a demolition. We believe the building is structurally unsafe and there is not adequate access to the site. I am glad that something is being done, but I am not sure that this is the right thing."