WITH frequent vandalism and reports of homes being used as drug dens, the state of the 200 empty properties at Bordon’s St Lucia Park was described this week as “an absolute disgrace”.

The houses, vacant for about three years, have fallen into disrepair with police upping their patrols.

The houses are the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which has been negotiating with housing providers to find a solution since 2015. As this has been unsuccessful, the MoD has thrown in the towel.

“The MoD currently has a long-term lease of 200 houses at St Lucia Park, Bordon,” a spokesman said.

“The houses are set to be returned to Annington Homes from March 2019.

“The MoD is aware of the ongoing issues in the area and our contractors will be shuttering the properties to prevent further damage.”

Annington Homes purchased almost all the military housing stock in 1996 and subsequently leased them back to the MoD on a 200-year deal. “When we say returned, we mean that we have terminated this lease and returned them back to Annington,” the MoD spokesman added.

But for Trevor Burton, a local resident and retired civil servant, it is already “a scandal” that they been allowed to reach this “despicable state”. He has written to local councils and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, but claims to have been “fobbed off” at every turn. As well as being a “ridiculous” situation, he feels there is a moral issue at play as many families would “relish the opportunity” to live in such homes. Taxpayers’ money is ultimately being wasted maintaining them - and every day they stay empty is tantamount to an additional cost.

“We cannot justify allowing them to get into this condition in this day and age,” Mr Burton added. “It’s a crying shame.”

And St Lucia Park is soaking up yet more public resources with police having to monitor activity.

“We are aware of reports of criminal damage and other incidents at the former military housing site in St Lucia Park, Bordon,” a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said.

“Officers from Bordon’s Neighbourhood Policing Team regularly patrol the area. We are speaking to other agencies and partners, including the site contractor, to see what environmental improvements can be made.”

Whitehill town councillor Andy Tree told the Bordon Herald that it was “demoralising” to see the homes deteriorate, especially as they were so close to new developments. He said “somebody needs to get a grip” on the situation which is “a bit ridiculous”.

Housing group Radian developed the 100 new homes at neighbouring Quebec Park, meaning its new residents are a stone’s throw away from St Lucia.

Paula Windebank, community development officer at Radian, said it was all “pretty sad”. “They’re in a poor state of repair and getting worse,” she added.

“There are lots of broken windows and doors - I understand their concerns.”

An Annington spokesman said maintaining the homes had been the “sole responsibility” of the MoD, but confirmed it would take the reins soon.

“The MoD recently advised us of its intent to terminate its lease and hand back the units within six months,” she added.

But she said it was early days and she could not comment on future plans.

Whitehill and Bordon county councillor Adam Carew had raised the issue previously, and agreed it was an “awful” situation.

He spoke of reports that the homes had been used as “drug dens” and hoped the police were able to “stay on top of this”.