A DILAPIDATED eyesore in St John's, Worcester, is a "fatality waiting to happen", according to city MP Mike Foster.

The former Smokestack pub and Zig Zags nightclub, landmark sites in St John's - which have been empty for around five years - are owned by supermarket giant Sainsbury's, which wants to build a supermarket on land next to Christopher Whitehead High School.

But now there is evidence that people are breaking into the neglected buildings and Mr Foster has written to David Wareing, Worcester City Council's chief executive, demanding they be cordoned off immediately.

His intervention follows a visit to the site after Jon Orton, of nearby First Paige Printers, contacted him.

"There is currently no security in the area, doors are open and the inside of these dangerous buildings are easily accessible," said Mr Foster.

"There is a fatality waiting to happen. Children who enter these buildings are in danger, yet there is not a fence in sight.

"Why wait for a crime to take place, a fire to start or someone get injured or killed, when proper secure fencing can prevent this happening?"

Mr Foster added that firms in the area were worried that the rundown site could affect their own business.

Jon Orton said he has seen youths going in and out of the buildings.

"Anybody can walk in there. Who knows how long they are going to be empty for," he said.

Peter Yates, the city council's principal planning officer, said Sainsbury has been contacted and Mike Foster's concerns have been passed on.

"In any case like this we get hold of the owners and say: 'What are you doing about it'," he said. "We will now give them some space to see what they do."

A spokesman for Sainsbury said Mr Foster's concerns will be addressed and an inspection of the premises will take place.

"The buildings are regularly inspected," he said. "If there has been any recent deterioration, man-made or otherwise, we will make the necessary repairs to make sure the properties are safe."