RESIDENTS in Darwen fear an accident could happen at a neglected building site.

The unsecure area in Almond Street has two houses yet to be finished but the development has been left for two years.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “The area is a death trap because so many children play around here.

“I have a seven-year-old son who could easily get on to the site and it’s far too dangerous to be left exposed without a secure fence.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the site could be maintained by the borough.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “Work began in April 2006 but stopped in July 2006 for financial reasons.

“Unfortunatley the council has no power under planning legislation to force developers to complete their developments.

“We understand that the site has recently been sold and the new owners are due to start work shortly.”