CALLS for security to be tightened up at Shelley Manor have been made after it was daubed with graffiti and used as a rubbish dumping ground.

The 200-year-old manor in Boscombe is currently up for sale as the council invites private companies to come up with plans for developing the historic site.

But since the decision to market the manor was made, a caravan has been brought onto the site and abandoned there.

Residents have also raised concerns about the amount of rubbish on the site and recent graffiti attacks.

Boscombe West's Cllr Philip Stanley-Watts said: "I don't think the current security is very good. Shelley Manor is part of the heritage of the Boscombe area and it should be kept secure.

"It's very depressing to see a building like that fall from grace.

"I want to see it kept for community and arts use but until they decide what to do with it, it should be fully maintained."

Council spokeswoman Jo Poole said: "Following a cabinet agreement on July 21 to make £100,000 available to fund security and operational costs associated with Shelley Manor, two security patrols are currently taking place at night.

"The council is looking at what can be done to remove any graffiti, the caravan and associated rubbish before the site is sold.

"The closing date for site bids is September 29 with a special meeting of cabinet likely to take place on October 25 for short-listed bidders to present their proposals."

First published: Sept 4