RESIDENTS living near to a derelict block of flats are fed up with the fly-tipping and teenage gangs it attracts.

The block of six flats that adjoin terraced houses on West Street, in Orford, have just one resident left, who says he will soon move out.

Two weeks ago an engineer visiting friends on West Street had to use his power jet to put out a fire amid fears a petrol canister could explode.

Mark Cunliffe, aged 40, who is the last reminaing resident, says the problems started when security gates to the back yard were stolen in 2003.

He said: "The ground behind the flats is being used as a dumping ground.

"If I wasn't here chasing people off this place would go up. Kids are just hanging around, trying to get into the flats. When the yard had gates on no one could get in."

Dean Hughes, of Whitelee Properties, which owns the flats, said: "We are looking to refurbish the flats.

"Cars and all sorts get dumped there but although we have access across the backyard, it's not part of our property."

Ken Johnson, lead officer for Street Scene at Warrington Borough Council, said: "The authority has a duty to remove fly-tipped waste from land maintained at public expense.

"However, on private land is the responsibility of the landowner."