BOURNEMOUTH council intends to demolish the sports pavilion at Slades Farm.

The borough says the building, which has suffered from sporadic bouts of vandalism in recent months, is a public health hazard and must be torn down "as a matter of urgency".

While plans for a replacement sport facility at the site are in the works, the council was tight-lipped on the details last week as its parks department is apparently finalising negotiations with an exterior party.

A parks spokesman said: "The building is unsightly and not fit for purpose.

"It is currently derelict and is subject to constant vandalism and attempts to gain access.

"It has no power and the internal area is hazardous to trespassers.

"The building contains asbestos and is at significant risk of arson.

"In the interests of public safety, it is proposed to demolish this structure as a matter of urgency."

The council has applied to its planning board for confirmation that it can carry out the demolition using permitted development powers, rather than requiring full planning permission.

In January, vandals raided the pavilion for the third time in less than six months.

They smashed up a kitchen, burned tables and chairs and hurled items of furniture around, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Such was the frequency of vandalism that Oakmedians Rugby Club, which owns much of the equipment at the pavilion, was forced to stop using it.

In August last year a fire door was set alight and another wooden door was forced open.

Police investigating the offence discovered hand-written notes inside the pavilion from someone who claimed to have put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and buckets of water.

They said they did not report the offence to the police because they feared they would get into trouble.

A month later police were again alerted when the kitchen was smashed up and a microwave broken.

Back in January, the council’s head of parks development Michael Rowland said: "Over the last six months Slades Farm Open Space has suffered from repeated criminal damage, arson, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"This has been directed at all facilities within this area including the changing pavilions, community centre, learning centre, community garden and car park.

"Due to the level of criminal damage on the main pavilion and the fact it is not currently in use, repairs are not being undertaken at this time, our efforts are focused on making the area safe for all of the community."