A councillor says an empty "eyesore" building due to be converted into accommodation for vulnerable young people will continue to be a problem until it is redeveloped.

Russell House, Russell Court, Chatham, has been empty for three years after landlord mhs homes stopped using it for a sheltered living scheme.

It has since become a target for antisocial behaviour and break-ins. Last month, police and firefighters were called to the building to help a distressed person on the roof.

The building is the subject of a £2 million plan to convert it into a "foyer" for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Councillors have previously warned lives would be put at risk if the project goes ahead, due to the prevalence of crime in the Luton area, which they fear the youngsters could get caught up in.

The accommodation will be run by mhs homes and will cater for 30 young people who "for a variety of reasons are unable to live in their family home but are not ready to live alone".

Community facilities including an accredited learning centre and office space for local organisations will feature.

Ward representative Simon Curry (Lab) described the building as a "blot on the community" and an "eyesore", with residents regularly getting in touch to say people have torn down the hoardings and broken in.

Cllr Curry, who previously called-in the project with Medway Council, said: "It will continue to be a problem until something's done to the building.

"If they do go ahead and put a foyer project in, obviously we will want to work really closely with them to make it work. We're not opposed to foyer projects in principle, we think they're a good thing in the right location.

"It's important for these young people who have been in care and who are now growing up and becoming adults to get out into the community and find their way in life.

"If we can do anything we can do to help that, we will get involved with that.

"That site is ideal for redevelopment for low cost, affordable housing that is desperately needed in Medway."

The plans were discussed during a meeting of the council's regeneration, culture and environment overview and scrutiny committee last Thursday.

During a discussion with members of the area's Community Safety Partnership, Cllr Adrian Gulvin (Con), portfolio holder for resources, said he shared Cllr Curry's concerns.

He said: "I have personally spoken to mhs about it, as I know members of the Medway Task Force have also.

"All we can do is advise. They have had that advice very strongly. It's up to them whether they choose to take that advice."

Ashley Hook, chief executive of mhs homes, said: "We are investing £2 million in redeveloping former sheltered bedsits.

"We’re fully committed to reducing antisocial behaviour in the area and we’re working closely with police, Medway Council, and other partners to achieve this.

"In terms of keeping the site safe and secure during development, we have installed security fencing and screens and have introduced a 24-hour security presence to reduce the risk of break-ins and to provide reassurance to residents.

"We’ve also fitted anti-climb equipment to external walls. The development is due to be completed in summer 2023."