CONCERNED police officers have issued a stark warning to youngsters over a dangerous derelict house in North Swindon.

The house, in Haydonleigh Drive, Haydon Wick , has been derelict for years and recently it has been targeted by arsonists, vandals and fly-tippers.

It has also been broken into on several occasions and has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

This week, North Swindon Police posted a warning to parents in the area about the dangers the site poses.

They said: “There’s been another fire there recently, and the place is extremely dangerous.

“Though the property is fenced off, and boarded up on a regular basis by Swindon Council, kids keep breaking in to use it as a den.

“We’re concerned that someone could get really hurt as the floors are collapsing, the walls don’t appear sound and there's glass everywhere.

“If your youngsters are out and about during the summer holiday please talk to them and urge them to stay well away.”

The site is owned by John O’Flynn Developments, which bought it last year and an agreement has been made that two semi-detached homes will be built on the site, although discussions are on-going about the current location of the bus stop.

Coun Claire Ellis, (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “We have been pushing for this house to be demolished for some time, but the builder who now owns the property will not knock it down until they have reached an agreement with the council about his financial liability regarding the site.

“We are working hard to resolve this matter and understand how frustrating it is.

“The developers are proposing two four-bedroom houses that will be priced under the upper stamp duty limit.

“ The planning department has stated that they would like the bus stop moved further down and the developer has said that they will not make enough return on the properties in that case.

“I am also very concerned about the children entering the site. “At the moment, residents take the trouble to call the emergency services when there is a fire in the property because they are worried that there are children inside.

“Fortunately, this has never been the case, but I am worried that this goodwill on the part of residents may cease because of frustrations over the delays.”