THE Royal British Legion has come under fire for what has been described as 'an eyesore' in the middle of a pleasant residential settlement.

The legion has also been accused of ignoring planning regulations which allowed the charity to demolish a no-longer-used club room in Seaton village, on condition the area was grassed over and tidied up after the demolition.

Nearly three years later, the plot is 'overgrown with weeds' and is still surrounded by a temporary fence.

Seaton Parish Councillor Dan Horsley said the land has been left looking like a building site: "It is a complete eyesore," he said.

He said there had been plans to build houses in the area and, at the time, the Legion club was to be offered as an entry into the development.

"Nothing has ever happened there, however," he went on.

"The British Legion got permission from Allerdale planners to demolish the club but with the condition that the site was tidied up. It was just never done!"

Seaton parish clerk Paul Bramley said he understood that Allerdale council had tried to pursue the matter but "it seems that the British Legion was no longer responding to queries."

Cumberland County Council has issued a statement: “We are aware of the concerns and our planning officers continue to work with the owners and agent to ensure the site is made tidy. 

"Their agent has contacted us to confirm that the site will be cleared of vegetation.”