FURIOUS villagers are petitioning for urgent action at a derelict building which they claim is a dangerous blight on the area.

Parkeston House, in Adelaide Street, Parkeston, has smashed windows, piles of rubble and broken security fencing.

Residents say children are able to get inside the run-down site and even indoors, causing major concerns for safety.

Joanne Underhill, of Una Road, Parkeston, has launched a petition with friends to demand the building is tidied up.

“It’s an eyesore," she said.

“It’s right beside the bus stop and it’s terrible for anyone visitors from the cruise ships, it’s embarrassing for the village.”

The mum-of-two said the whole of Parkeston was backing the calls for action – so far, 275 people have signed the petition asking Tendring Council to enforce safety rules.

In March, the former office block – which has planning permission to be converted into flats – was attacked by arsonists.

Building work had started a year earlier, in March 2013, but came to an abrupt halt just weeks later when workers were ordered to down tools over public safety concerns.

To sign the petition visit the Captain Fryatt pub in Garland Road, Parkeston.