A SITE where developers have failed to win permission to build houses has turned into a grotspot.

Residents say the building on Darnhall School Lane has become infested with vermin after remaining derelict for three years.

Ray Walker's home in Peacock Avenue backs onto the land where a mattress and rubbish is piling up.

"There are rats in there and kids get in there causing trouble," he said.

"Something has to be done about it because it is a health hazard at the moment. If we decide to move then we would have no chance of selling our home with it backing onto a rubbish dump."

Two plans to build houses on the site have been turned down with the developer refusing to either clear or demolish the building unless given permission.

The council and developers are now at loggerheads over its future.

Borough councillor Malcolm Gaskill has backed Mr Walker's calls for action.

"The developer isn't going to do anything with the site unless he has planning approval but until he submits an application the council is happy with, it is difficult to see anything happening," he said.

"It does seem like we are at a stalemate but I am sure that things are moving forward even if it is very slowly."

Clr Gaskill fears someone could be seriously injured if the building is not demolished.

He said: "Work was carried out a long time ago to remove stairs and much of the inside of the building so it is very dangerous.

"There are kids getting in there and there have been two fires to my knowledge.

"It is a death trap in there and I do sympathise with Mr Walker because it is in an appalling condition."