ENFORCEMENT action could be taken against the owners of a derelict former nursing home after a reported change of use of a car parking area.

Neighbours complained that land at the front of the Pinebeach Nursing Home at Friars Cliff in Christchurch is being used to store building equipment including diggers and cement mixers.

The site was vandalised on many occasions and residents voiced fears that it is contributing to anti-social behaviour in the area.

In the latest development residents submitted scores of complaints to Christchurch council.

Planning enforcement officer Neil Smith has replied, saying: "Following on from the submission of the Enforcement Complaint form you submitted in relation to the use of the car parking area at the front of the former Pinebeach Nursing Home, I have been making enquiries into the ownership of the property.

"I believe I have now located the owners and have emailed them regarding the unauthorised change of use of the land and requested that it stops."

Mr Smith said he has asked for a response from the owers by next week and added: "Hopefully they will take action to stop the use. If not I will continue to deal with this."

Residents in Southcliffe Road told the Daily Echo they saw large lorries parked in the road, while other vehicles transport materials from the site to a nearby development.

Signs for property firm Jackson Developments were placed on the edge of the site.

However, Simon Jackson, owner of Jackson Developments, said the firm do not own the property at the moment and all communications from the council had been forwarded to the current owners.

"The problems that have been raised in recent weeks had nothing to do with us," Mr Jackson said.

"It is still in the hands of Pinebeach Nursing Home and I understand the council has been in touch to say it is not within the planning framework to use the site in this way.

"I spoke at length with neighbours of the site. We have paid for work to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour and we do not even own it yet."

Police and local councillors met residents at a street corner meeting last month to discuss problems in the area.

Around 50 people attended the meeting and were reassured by Police Community Support Officers who aid patrols in the area will be stepped up.