DEMOLITION work has finally started at an abattoir that has stood derelict for four years.

The move has been welcomed by local campaigners who have been calling for action to pull down the “eyesore” site of Winder’s slaughterhouse in Ulverston.

Contractors have now moved into North Lonsdale Road to complete the work.

The future of the abattoir building had been uncertain since the business closed in 2004 with the loss of 35 jobs.

It was the largest slaughterhouse in the South Lakes.

In September 2007 the building was gutted by fire and was described by the parish council as “an eyesore, a fire risk and an absolute mess”.

Local councillors had demanded action after the deadline set by the parish council to knock it down passed by the end of July.

The abattoir is owned by the Carnforth-based Pure Leis-ure, which runs holiday and caravan parks across the UK.

Pure Leisure said that the site on which the abattoir stands was set to be sold and the demolition work would be completed before the sale went through.

The company has not revealed who is buying the site or what its plans for the land are.

Ulverston town mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe said the building had become a magnet for trouble.

He said: “There have been more problems at the building for some time but having said that it is sad to lose a building with so much history.”

Coun Mark Wilson added: “We have been calling for this for some time.

“It is good to see some action being taken.”

Pure Leisure spokesman Ben Samuelson said: “The abattoir is being sold but it will be demolished before being handed over to its new owner, which will happen in the near future.”