CHILDREN are putting their lives in danger by playing in asbestos-filled flats, a nearby resident warned.

And despite contacting the police and council Anthony Lynch says nothing is being done to stop them.

The block of flats at Trenewydd in the Newtown area of Ebbw Vale is derelict and the council has confirmed the building contains white and brown asbestos which could be dangerous if moved.

The children play in the flats and the garages beneath and have been smashing holes in walls, according to Mr Lynch, who lives opposite the block.

He said: "They smash at the walls and it releases clouds of dust. They don't know what they are doing, they are only kids.

"I doubt any of them have even heard of asbestos."

The demolition of the flats, which have been empty for more than a year and a half, is due to be completed early next year.

Until then the contractors responsible for their demolition have secured the flats with temporary barriers and security fencing - but the youngsters are still breaking in.

Mr Lynch said: "These barriers are just moved aside by the kids. They need something more substantial, bolted onto the walls to deny access.

"This needs to be taken seriously. As well as the danger from the asbestos the walls could collapse and crush a child."

A Blaenau Gwent council spokesman said the demolition of the two blocks of 21 flats and one block of 12 flats will be completed by early next year.

Earlier this year sub-officer Tim Davies, of Ebbw Vale fire station described how children were putting their own, and firefighters, lives at risk following three deliberate fires in the flats.

He said the fire service sent all their equipment away for decontamination after the incidents because of the exposure to asbestos.

Nobody at Gwent Police was available for comment.