A SPATE of anti-social behaviour at an empty coastguard training facility in Christchurch has been condemned.

The buildings at Steamer Point have been targeted, with windows smashed and graffiti strewn all over the site.

Dorset Police were called to the area on Sunday afternoon to assess the latest damage, having been aware of previous incidents.

As reported by the Daily Echo, developers Pennyfarthing Homes, who are not yet the legal owners of the site, are in the process of drawing up a planning application to demolish the former coastguard buildings and replace them with 29 homes.

Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe ward councillor Lesley Dedman said the spate of anti-social behaviour was a “horrible situation”.

“Councillors have always been proactive on this issue,” said Cllr Dedman.

“We speak with residents and try to encourage them to report it to police. It is a horrible situation and it is sad young people want to do something like this.

“I feel very sorry for the residents who live in a beautiful place and have to deal with these issues.”

Fellow ward councillor Paul Hilliard said work is being done to try to address the anti-social behaviour issues, which increase annually in the area over the summer months.

“The council is working with other partner agencies, including police and fire to identify the culprits,” said Cllr Hilliard. “As the former coastguard training facility is private property the owners also have a responsibility to make the site secure.

“It is coming up to the end of exams and the evenings are getting lighter, which seems to bring an increase in problems. It is a known issue and we are working to try and manage the situation going forward.”

PC Mark Creasey, of Christchurch Police, said: “We will continue to monitor the site and take action against anyone identified as being responsible for criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We will also work with the owners of the site to look at ways they can further restrict access to the site.”

Pennyfarthing Homes last week held a public exhibition on their redevelopment proposals, which around 150 residents attended.