SCHOOLCHILDREN are putting their lives at risk visiting a derelict house frequented by a drug user, it is claimed.

Teenagers in uniforms were spotted crawling under fences surrounding the run-down semi-detached property in Wimborne.

Now, worried residents in New Borough are demanding the "eyesore" be demolished "before someone is killed or seriously injured".

Campaign spokesman, Chris Highham, said: "It's a potential death trap. The floors have been taken up, rubble is everywhere and nails stick out from the walls.

"Imagine the risk to any adventurous youngsters who take it into their heads to investigate the place, use it as a playground, get drunk or experiment with drugs.

"Just suppose someone tried to get to the upper storey and fell.

"The wire mesh around the property is no deterrent to anyone determined to get in."

Mr Highham, who is co-ordinating a petition to East Dorset District Council, claimed a drug user frequently "camped out" in the building and he had seen children as young as 13 going in and out.

Penny Davage, who also lives opposite, said: "There have been several planning applications for flats which have been turned down because of parking difficulties and poor access. We just want to see the site cleared."

Chief planning officer at East Dorset District Council Geoff Cross said schemes put forward by Primetower Homes had been excessive.

"We hope they will come forward with a more realistic scheme. In the meantime, we have written to them expressing our concern about the condition of the site and have warned them that if they do not tidy up the site we can take action," he said.

Managing director of Primetower Homes John Yeoman said they only became aware someone was sleeping rough in the premises last week.

"We had no knowledge of schoolchildren going there or that drugs were involved," he said.

"We are reboarding the property and at some time will be preparing a new planning application for the site."

Ferndown police Inspector David Ayres confirmed the premises had been used by a known drug-user.

Officers had visited a local school and spoken to a pupil who admitted going to the premises to smoke.

"He said he did not take any drugs on the premises," he added.