A RAT-INFESTED dirty “eye sore” frequented by drug users is driving down property values, according to residents.

The Haydon Cars site on the corner of Millway Road and Salisbury Road has been neglected for years, and more than 20 residents recently attended a meeting at the nearby Lunar Hare pub to discuss the problems associated with it.

Homeowners fear the overgrown site is asbestosridden, attracting drug addicts and dragging the neighbourhood down.

Christopher Ecclestone, who represents the Millway ward on Andover Town Council, said syringes indicated it was a “lair” for users.

He said: “The site has lain abandoned and mouldering for the best part of two decades and could best be described as the ‘dump on your doorstep’.

“Not only is it an eyesore and a haven for vermin but it severely devalues all the other properties in its proximity.”

Mr Ecclestone claimed the site also suffered soil contamination from leaking underground tanks from its days as a service station.

A resident has now arranged for a drone to be used to take pictures of the roof to assess the damage.

Currently there are two active planning permissions for the site, both of which are due to expire in 2016, for shops and fast food outlets.

A spokesman for Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) said: “The council cannot force a developer to begin work, nor can we demand that they carry out health and safety checks.

“Also, as it is private land we would be unable to carry out maintenance work such as cutting back shrubs.

“However, TVBC’s Environmental Health team did carry out an asbestos inspection at the site in 2013 and was satisfiedno further action was required. The building was also inspected by the council’s Building Control team who confirmed that there was no identified risk.

“Issues regarding soil contamination due to the site’s historical use as a car service station are identified and managed by Trading Standards at Hampshire County Council.

“The area is patrolled by police and neighbourhood wardens on a regular basis.

However, if residents have any concerns regarding antisocial behaviour at the site, including drug use, these should be reported to the police via 101.”