FED-UP residents living near a former school which is being transformed into a new multi-million pound care home say their lives have been made a misery by constant bonfires at the site.

Bournemouth-based developers Quantum have just begun 18 months of work to transform Homefield School at Winkton, near Christchurch, into a 64-bed care home and 29 independent living units.

The school closed suddenly in 2005, nearly £1m in debt, and has been ravaged by vandals. Just weeks ago it was the target of a suspected arson attack.

Following a Champagne celebration to mark the school’s demolition, residents now say their lives are being plagued by bonfires at the site.

One woman, whose husband has just come home from hospital following cancer surgery, said: “Fires have been an almost daily occurrence for the past fortnight; even at weekends.

“They are burning plastic and old felt at the site; we have to keep the windows open because it’s so hot but we are breathing in toxic fumes.

“It’s the last thing we need to contend with and we are sick and tired of all the belching black smoke and the fumes. I’ve been in touch with the council’s environmental health department but it’s still going on.”

The woman, who did not want to be identified, added: “It’s unbearable and it’s not just us who are suffering. A neighbour is suffering from throat cancer.”

A Christchurch council spokesman said: “We have visited the area several times and spoken to local residents as well as people on the site who have assured us that there will be no more fires there.”

Henry Lumby, director of Quantum Life Care, said: “The bonfires were part of the demolition team’s work at the site.”

He stressed that they had been pre-agreed with Christchurch council’s environmental officer and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, adding: “The last bonfire has been held. We apologise if this has caused concern to the residents of Winkton.”