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A derelict building in South Ashford is being vandalised daily with two fires started deliberately on the same night.

Oakleigh House, in Watercress Lane, has been abandoned for more than two years and residents say they are becoming increasingly frustrated about antisocial behaviour at the site.

The building is next to a block of flats, known locally as the 'Star Block', which has also been barricaded off.

But it is believed those vandalising Oakleigh House – which previously provided sheltered housing but has been empty since 2019 – have made a hole in the fence to get onto the premises.

On Monday, just after 7pm, the fire service was called to reports of a fire at the property. One fire engine attended and crews put out a small amount of paper alight.

Then just after 9pm, they were called to the property again, with two fire engines attending.

No injuries were reported on both occasions and it is believed that the fires were started deliberately.

One resident told KentOnline that it appears to be the same group of youths vandalising the property.

"They have catapulted stones through the windows, there have been many occasions where they've climbed over the fence or broken it to get inside and vandalised stuff that's been left in there," she said.

"On Monday they set fire twice to the place. They were throwing plastic chairs off the roof and they set light to one of the chairs on the roof.

"Luckily it didn't spread as the fire brigade got there quite quickly."

The resident says it's not fair on people in the area as they are on edge all the time.

"There's lots of children who live in the area as well as elderly people," she said.

"We're constantly looking out the window at the slightest noise because we think they're there again.

"I don't feel as safe as I did, it's hard. What's to say if I confront them or they see me call the police they're not then going to attack my home or me?

"It's not fair, it's not a nice way to live."

The resident added that she feels the vandalism has been getting worse over the past six months.

"I'm having to contact the police everyday and it's the same group of kids doing it," she said.

In a statement, Ashford Borough Council said it is aware of the 'vulnerability to vandalism' and has applied for planning permission to have the premises demolished.

In 2020, the council revealed plans for Oakleigh House and the adjacent flats to be demolished as part of a project to build 70 homes on the plot.

It is planned the homes will include 54 independent apartments for elderly people, 13 for adults with learning disabilities, and three independent cottages.

The spokesman said: "We are keeping the site as secure as we can but it is very difficult to deter every person who is intent on breaking in.

“We hope that our application will be heard by the council’s planning committee soon.

"If and when we get consent we are ready to move swiftly with the demolition.”

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