SYRINGES, drugs and human waste lie just yards from a children's play area in Bournemouth's Central Gardens.

Ex-financial director for LV= Steve Castle has called for more to be done to tackle drug users in the town centre after squatters invaded his parent's former home by the Gardens Tennis Centre.

Police were alerted to the problem by the estate agent which manages the property, and Mr Castle, who worked in Bournemouth but lives in London, has since had it boarded up.

However he says addicts are returning to the £700,000 house in Bradburne Road every day to break in, smash windows, take drugs and steal his late father's possessions.

"It is supposed to be illegal to squat in residential property, but it doesn't work if police don't take their names, that is my frustration," he said.

"I would like a bit more assistance, I would prosecute if I could get these people identified.

"I know the police are under-resourced, but this is a public health hazard and is costing a lot of money. I would have thought it was more important than some crimes they investigate."

Mr Castle, whose parents lived in the house for 30 years, said he believed the council and police weren't doing enough to tackle a rise in town centre drug abuse.

"It is a shock to me, I have never had an issue like this before," he said.

"They seem to have free reign after dark, and this part of the park is not a nice place to be any more.

"I think this is damaging Bournemouth's reputation as a fantastic place to come on vacation.

"I am glad my mum and dad are not still living in this house.

"There has got to be a zero tolerance approach, or look at what has happened in Boscombe."

Dorset Police said officers first attended the house on March 27 and moved seven people on, and returned on two subsequent occasions to reports of break-ins. The force said it had not been able to identify offenders, but advice was given to Mr Castle on securing the property.

Neighbourhood Inspector Billy Bulloch said: “While we will always respond to community concerns and work with property owners, we would like to remind landlords that they have a responsibility to secure their properties to prevent issues such as this.”

He said landlords had a responsibility to take "realistic and proportionate steps" to secure empty properties.

"We are aware of the negative impact such as drug use can have on communities and we are also mindful of the need to support those who are vulnerable," he said.

"In order to achieve both of these aims we carry out extensive work with our partnership agencies to assist and intervene.

"Our work includes joint patrols with outreach workers and service providers, proactive patrols focussed on specific targets, assisting the council street cleaning team, referring individuals to the relevant social care, housing and other services as well as drug and alcohol support outreach teams.

"We also undertake prosecutions where appropriate in conjunction with the local authority’s anti-social behaviour team."

‘Shock’ at town’s drug problem

STANDING amid the filth spread around his parents’ old home, Steve Castle said he believed the council and police weren’t doing enough to tackle a rise in town centre drug abuse.

“It is a shock to me, I have never had an issue like this here before,” he said.

“They seem to have free reign after dark, and this part of the park is not a nice place to be any more. I think this is damaging Bournemouth’s reputation as a fantastic place to come on vacation.

“I am glad my mum and dad are not living in this house to see this. There has got to be a zero tolerance approach, or look at what has happened in Boscombe.”

Dorset Police Neighbourhood Inspector Billy Bulloch said the force carries out targeted patrols alongside outreach workers and prosecutes antisocial behaviour “where appropriate”.

Bournemouth council enforcement officer Matt King said: “Where properties are left empty they are more likely to attract unwanted visitors who may engage in antisocial or criminal activities.

“The council works very hard with their partners, particularly the police, to address such situations.

“We engage with individuals, some of whom may be vulnerable, but will also act robustly to apply enforcement action where necessary.

“We work with the police to identify and address areas where anti-social behaviour is taking place.

“When we are made aware of issues at a private property we will provide support to the owner, alongside the police.

“Owners are encouraged to do as much as they can to protect their asset and land and ensure that activities there are not adversely affecting the community.”