RATS and drunken yobs are turning the area around the old West Hill Hospital site in Dartford into a nightmare place to live, say residents.

People in the area have complained the site, which is now owned by Asda, lacks security and is attracting drunken youths at weekends who intimidate passers-by.

They are also fed up with rats, which appear to be coming from the derelict hospital grounds into their gardens and homes.

Sonia Keane, 49, who lives on King Edward Avenue, next to the former hospital, is planning to start a petition on the issue.

She said: “I think Asda has neglected the site leading to a rat problem. It knew last year about rats and they're still around now.

“I've had a spate of rats in the area since the hospital has been left derelict. I've had to call environmental health in twice to deal with the problem.

Pamela Wood, also of King Edward Avenue, added: “At the weekend, there are yobs sitting on a three-piece settee, which has been dumped in the hospital grounds drinking alcohol. I find it intimidating to walk past them. Security is minimal.”

Asda property department spokesman Naomi Duggan said: “The site has 24-hour security, so we are surprised and concerned by reports youths have got on to it and have been disturbing passers-by.

“We have made contractors aware this has been raised as an issue and have asked them to be particularly vigilant.

“We have been advised that we cannot implement pest control measures during the demolition contract for health and safety reasons. But as soon as the demolition work is completed, we will employ pest control experts.”