An angry father says it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt unless action is taken to secure a demolition site.

Richard Hale, of Braintree, says children often play in the overgrown gardens of former houses which sit in Gilchrist Way.

He said the gardens are full of old rubbish, splintered wood and screws.

Mr Hale, 42, said: “Every other night they’re running into the gardens and they just muck about and throw things around.

“I’d say there’s normally about five or six who come in and start being a pain - I tell them to go away if they come in the garden next to mine.

“But the gates are just wide open so anyone can just walk and do whatever they want.”

Mr Hale, who works as a builder, says the properties have been empty since he moved in with his family around three months ago.

He said: “It really should be made secure because it’s basically a building site and yet you’ve got all these kids running about.

“It’s a matter of time until one of them gets hurt.”

The father of six said he was reluctant to let his children play outside before workers came and tore down a rotting fence which separated his garden from those of the former homes.

Workers replaced the separating fence with metal fencing but Mr Hale says they should have secured the whole site.

Greenfield Housing, which is responsible for the site, has been given permission by Braintree Council to demolish the homes and replace them with 34 modern houses for rent and shared ownership.

A spokesman said: “We have recently been awarded planning permission by Braintree Council to demolish ageing homes in neighbouring Spalding Close and replace them with 34 modern homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.

"As the redevelopment has not begun, the land is not yet a building site and no fencing has been removed.

"It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure their own property is secure, and we have agreed to install some extra temporary fencing in the area highlighted by the resident.

“We would ask residents to continue to report any instances of issues such as trespassing, vandalism and fly-tipping, as we will take action where necessary.

“We had received no reports about dumped rubbish, and will now visit and clear the area.”