VANDALS have daubed graffiti over the inside stairwell of a Boscombe property because the address lies open to members of the public, it is claimed.

The block, which is managed by the DWP Housing Partnership - formerly Dave Wells Properties - has been tagged with crude language and slogans.

The stairwell of the property in Boscombe Grove Road leads to two flats. There is no door at the foot of the stairs, meaning people can enter whenever they want without a key, residents say.

One resident called the situation "disgraceful".

"Is this really what the private sector of renting is all about?" he asked.

However, representatives from DWP Housing Partnership said there is not a door at the foot of the stairs due to health and safety concerns, although a solution has recently been agreed with the fire service.

Steve Wells said: “The stairwell to the property has never had a door due to fire safety reasons.

“We have put forward several proposed solutions to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, which has approved the latest idea we have developed.

“This will be a metal door that opens in a concertina fashion. This will mean the door doesn't intrude onto the pavement outside.

“It will be possible to open it instantly from the inside to allow a quick exit as fire regulations dictate, but won’t be able to be opened from outside without a key.

“It is a bespoke solution and we will install it as quickly as we can."

In the meantime, Mr Wells said, representatives from the company are working with police to tackle vandalism.

"We will continue to liaise with the police and council about the anti-social behaviour in the area," he said.