'HORRIBLE' teenagers are making residents' lives miserable near a derelict industrial unit.

Back in October 2016 developer WCR Management Ltd won outline planning consent to build 19 houses and two blocks of flats on the former Jecco House site in Boscombe Grove Road, Springbourne, but as yet the building still stands in a state of disrepair.

Neighbours say the site has become a favourite haunt of teen gangs whose antisocial behaviour has led to frequent police visits.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The quicker the flats go in the better. The way it has been left derelict, it is attracting gangs of 10-12 kids with really antisocial, threatening behaviour.

"They are intimidating my neighbours and it is very frustrating. They are horrible kids. I would just like to give them a punch but obviously I wouldn't do that.

"The police are called every time but there doesn't seem to be much they can do either apart from moving them on.

"A few months ago there were some older kids who were put in the back of the police car. The language they were using, they have no respect for anyone. It is sad really."

Dorset Police confirmed it has received 12 reports of antisocial behaviour connected with the site in the past three months.

Bournemouth East Neighbourhood Inspector Adam Gill said: "We are fully aware of the reports of antisocial behaviour on Boscombe Grove Road and have been liaising with the landowners and the local authority.

"Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the landowner to ensure the property is secure and cannot be accessed by anyone else.

"Officers continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in the area. We are actively visiting the property on a regular basis when a report is received.

"Words of advice are given to anyone who is seen acting suspiciously within or near to the premises, along with a reminder about how dangerous it is to enter a derelict building.

"If any criminality is identified, we will deal with those individuals robustly."

A spokesman for WCR said the firm had recently submitted a new planning application for 29 three-bed houses on the site following a request for "desperately-needed family housing" at the planning board last year.

However, he said the company had experienced "difficulties" with the planning department.

"Sadly despite being told in December that the officer was ready to write up the planning approval we have been stalled yet again," the spokesman said.

"Literally this morning we received an email from the council which we are now actively discussing with our planning team.

"With regards to the site itself, due to the way that planning and the contributions systems work we are unable to demolish the buildings on site at this time.

"Sadly even prior to us taking over site there had been numerous break-ins, thefts and antisocial behaviour on site.

"We have tried as best possible to minimise this by installing safety fencing, boarding up windows and working with the local police, environmental health, Dorset Fire and Rescue and a number of concerned local residents.

"Despite our best efforts there are a number of unknown individuals who are intent on breaking into the site.

"Sadly many of those involved are children who are not scared of the neighbours nor the police.

"Our own staff have been subjected to verbal abuse and threats of violence when they have attended site to re-secure fencing or doors that have been opened.

"We are keen to get this consent approved and deliver what will be a fantastic family housing development for the Boscombe and Springbourne area."