CIVIC officials have secured a second court order preventing access to a derelict town centre office block, which has become a magnet for a number of Poole's rough sleepers.

St John's House, Serpentine Road, which is awaiting demolition, has been vacant for more than two years - ever since Borough of Poole's (BOP) transportation services moved back to the Civic Centre.

On Thursday, at Poole Magistrates' Court, the council was granted an order effectively banning anyone from entering the "potentially dangerous" block.

BOP safer community manager Ian Cooke explained: "St John's House remains an attraction for some of Poole's rough sleepers, who as a result continue to occupy the building despite safety concerns and the impact on the local community.

"We are pleased that the magistrates' court has agreed to the closure of St John's House for a further three months."

Last year magistrates issued a three-month closure order for the same building, after similar concerns were raised locally about rough-sleepers and thrill-seeking young people entering the block.

The new order prohibits unauthorised entry into the property, and anyone ignoring the direction commits a criminal offence.

Council officials says they're continuing to receive complaints about antisocial behaviour in relation to the building, and that the court order was secured under Part 1 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014.

Last year an application to build a part 12-storey/part 14-storey block with 203 residential apartments at the site was agreed by BOP's planning committee.

ESRG Developments Ltd want to demolish St John's House and the former HMRC offices nearby, to make way for the complex.

This will offer 58 studio apartments, 92 one-bedroomed flats, 49 two-bedroomed and four three-bedroomed homes.

Plans also include a residents' fitness suite, a 90-space car park, communal roof garden and bicycle storage.