RESIDENTS living near the decaying former ground of Colchester United are demanding answers about its planned redevelopment after a spate of break-ins.

Householders are calling for action to revamp Layer Road in a bid to put off vandals and trespassers who have targeted the site.

Colchester Council, which owns the site, approved plans last summer to turn the derecict ground into housing for the elderly, but it still needs to find funding for the scheme.

Lyn Barton, councillor responsible for planning and regeneration, said: “We are very concerned about the vulnerability of the site.

“They have been getting into the old offices.

“People have found broken glass and stereo systems in their back gardens.

“We have spoken about security there and also asked police to make more patrols in the area.”

Pauline Hazell, ward councillor, said she had been told by the council work was progressing on the housing scheme, but nothing had been finalised.

She said: “It’s good some work is being done but, for the residents, this scheme needs to be completed sooner rather than later.

“At the moment, it’s a bit shabby and it would enhance the area to have it developed.

“Like any empty place, it has deteriorated over time.

“It doesn’t look right and people fear it will start to affect property prices.

“Residents need to have more information about what exactly the current situation is.”

She was backed by Michael Lewis, 63, of Wavell Avenue, a member of the Layer Road Residents’ Association. He said: “We want to know what’s happening.

“It’s a bit of a no man’s land at the moment.

“The place seems to be falling apart week by week.

“Everything is up in the air and we have had no news at all for some time.”

The former ground was put on the market for £2.9million last year, with the sale intended to go towards the £14million cost of building its replacement – the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

But even after its value fell by 50 per cent, no serious bids were forthcoming from housing developers.

Instead, Colchester Council agreed in principle to hand Layer Road to a developer to turn it into “extra care” sheltered housing, aimed largely at elderly residents.

The lack of cash generated means the authority will have to continue paying about £60,000 a year in interest on borrowing for the community stadium.

The Gazette asked the council to comment on the current situation at Layer Road, but did not receive a response at the time of going to press.