A derelict building site has become an "eyesore" for people living nearby.

People living in Dollis Park, Finchley are angry that the site has remained barren since the owner demolished the house, in the same street, in May last year.

They are also worried that it is dangerous for children who attend the nearby St Mary’s Primary School.

Jestyn Phillips, who is a member of the Dollis Park and District Residents’ Association, said: “There should be a home here. Personally, I think it’s wrong to leave this site when there’s such a shortage of homes. There seems to be no care for anyone. We have pressed the council on this. We would just like something built here.

“There must be something that can be done. It’s a health hazard, I think it’s outrageous. I don’t think it’s safe.”

Eve Byrne, who lives in Dollis Park, said: “A lot of people are upset because it’s been like this for so long. It’s very much an eyesore, it’s awful. It’s a concern having the school so near too.”

Hilary Luder, who has lived in the street for 22 years and is secretary of the residents’ association, said: “Our biggest fear is we will end up with a hideous block of flats. There were squatters in there before, and now nothing has happened. Another family home has been lost.

“To leave something in this state shouldn’t be acceptable. It was open for a while and people were fly tipping. The house hadn’t been lived in for years. It was falling apart. The biggest disappointment is someone hasn’t taken it on to love.”

Arthur Parker-Hall, who also lives in Dollis Park, said it was “unsightly”. He added: “Something has to be done. It’s dangerous because kids could get in easily. I think it’s absolutely appalling.”

Shahzad Sabri, who has lived in the street since 1977, said: “I think it’s terrible. They shouldn’t be able to do that. The hoardings around it weren’t even secure for a while. I think it might be turned into a block of flats, and that will look completely out of place.”

Sarah Sackman, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, said it was a "wasted opportunity".

She added: “It’s not just an eyesore, it’s a hazard. The council has a responsibility to respond to people’s concerns which are falling on deaf ears.  The hoardings take up half the pavement. It’s a mess, but no action has been taken."

A spokesman for Barnet Borough Council said: “A planning enforcement notice has been served requiring the site to be cleared by 15 December 2014. If the site is not cleared and the hoarding repainted, the owner could face prosecution or the possibility of the council appointing contractors to carry out the work at the owner’s expense.”