JOYRIDERS are putting a Bournemouth church at risk by torching their stolen cars just yards away.

Vehicles are dumped in council car park next to St Andrews Church Hall in Kinson then burned out leaving black scorch marks and scattered car parts.

Anxious residents and church staff want a barrier fitted to lock the area up at night.

David Patterson, church warden, said: "We had one over the weekend and I've been told it's the seventh this year.

"There is a risk of a fire if they put the car right up against the church hall. A gate would help enormously."

A female resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It's a dead end and there's an alleyway so they get to the council estate.

"It's always in the night. We get the fire brigade out and the police helicopter up - it was up at 2am in the morning the other night. Sometimes you hear the blowouts of the tyres exploding."

Vicar Pat Nesbitt said: "The kids are forever riding their mopeds down there, they used it as a hang out. It's a shame that there doesn't seem much for them to do.

"We would like to see a gate installed. The council staff removing the vehicles say it would save a lot of trouble."

Peter Crompton, the councils parks manager, said: "We are aware of the issues at this car park and the Council has policies and procedures in place in dealing with abandoned vehicles.

"We are also looking at other options to secure the site and the feasibility of installing a barrier."