RECKLESS youths are breaking into derelict bungalows in Winnersh setting fires and taking drugs according to the fire service.

The derelict buildings on King Street Lane have been secured by developers Bovis Homes but vandals have been breaking in for a couple of months.

Watch manager David Wheeler at Dee Road fire station said the crew had been called out to the bungalows on Wednesday evening.

“They are obviously being used by kids from the area and not for good reasons,” he said.

“They haven’t been secured or boarded up.

“It’s quite full of dangerous items, broken glass, drug parapahalia, graffiti all over the walls and there are multiple sites of fire in there.

“It’s a hazard waiting to happen and I think something will happen, it’s a matter of when not if.”

The derelict homes are scheduled for demolition as part of the Hatch Farm Dairies development.

A spokesman for Bovis homes said: “We will continue to liaise with the emergency services regarding the security and unlawful trespass around these properties and would be grateful if residents could immediately report any suspicious activity around these houses to the police.

“However, with the build programme progressing well at Winnersh, the demolition of these properties should be completed shortly.

“The first home at the development, which will be called Hatchwood Mill, will be available towards the end of this month.”