BOURNEMOUTH council has warned people to stay away from a Boscombe construction site, after reports of people climbing over the fence and putting themselves at risk.

The council said it had stepped up security at the multi-use games area at Churchill Gardens, which is currently being rebuilt.

It comes after reports the gate had been forced open and that people had been seen climbing over high fencing to enter the building site.

Boscombe West Cllr Chris Wakefield said he had also received a report of a young man sustaining an injury after entering the site and had contacted the council's out of hours team to request they re-secure the site.

He said: "I wish the person who has been injured a speedy recovery. This accident highlights the danger of people accessing building sites and I would urge people to think of the safety of themselves and anybody that is with them."

When the Echo visited the site, one of the wire fence panels had been pulled open and the site appeared vulnerable to trespassers.

The work at Churchill Gardens will see the existing ball court completely resurfaced. The council said the work was being done by an experienced contractor and the site was secure and operating within health and safety regulations at the time security was breached.

Michael Rowland, parks development manager, said: "The site at Churchill Gardens has been fenced off for works to renew the ball court. It is very clear from the fencing and signage that this part of the park is currently under development, with construction materials on the court surface.

“At the weekend we were made aware by a member of the public that a gate, which had been tightly secured, had been forced opened. To open the gate it would have taken some pliers or a similar tool. It was also reported that people had been seen climbing over high fencing to access the space. We attended the site as soon as we were informed, taped it off and secured the gate again.

“We would like to remind people that playing within fenced off construction areas or depots within parks and open spaces is clearly not permitted for the reason that they are unsafe for play. We would urge people not to enter such spaces for their own safety.”