VANDALS have been barred from a "potentially dangerous" derelict building in Poole after magistrates issued a three-month closure order.

Officers at Poole council applied for the order after a number of break-ins at St John's House in Serpentine Road.

The empty building, which is close to the railway station, had become a "magnet" for anti-social behaviour, councillors say.

Councillor Karen Rampton, Poole cabinet portfolio holder for health, social care, housing and communities, said vandals have been breaking into the building and causing damage.

The property has also been used by rough sleepers.

"The council has taken this action in response to concerns raised by the local community about the safety of the young people who enter the building seeking fun and thrills," Cllr Rampton said.

"Empty buildings such as these pose a risk to those who use them as a source of entertainment.

"Our message is that it is potentially dangerous and now a criminal offence and we recommend people stay away.”

A three-month premises closure order was granted at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 16.

The order prohibits unauthorised entry into a property.

Anyone who ignores the direction commits a criminal offence.

Poole council applied for the order after people living and working nearby told police of their concerns for young people seen getting into the building.

Ian Cooke, the council's safer communities manager, said: “St John's House is due for redevelopment, including demolition, but in the meantime the people who now misuse it pose a risk to themselves and others.

"We have worked with the building’s owners and Dorset Police in obtaining this order to combat anti-social behaviour and to protect our communities and those young people who have been entering the property from harm.”

The derelict office block has been vacant for more than two years after Borough of Poole's transportation services moved back to the Civic Centre.

Bosses at ESRG Developments Ltd want to demolish the property and build a 14-storey block with 203 residential apartments.