COMMUNITY leaders are calling for a derelict social club to be demolished amid fears it could be torched.

Cllrs Chris Jones and Dave Wisinger say they have been inundated with calls from worried residents in Sealand Avenue, Garden City, fearing the former snooker hall by their homes could be targeted by arsonists.

The calls come after a mysterious blaze at Shotton Lane Social Club earlier this month.

Police suspect the fire, which gutted the empty building, was started deliberately, but investigations are still ongoing.

The former snooker hall has stood empty for more than two years since plans were approved to turn the building into 38 apartments.

Cllr Jones says it has become a target for vandals.

“Since it has stood empty we have had nothing but vandalism,” she said.

“They have smashed the front panels off and gone in and stolen the copper. There are old mattresses dumped in there - it’s disgusting.

“The main worry now is it’s going to be set on fire.”

Cllr Wisinger added: “I have spoken to a lot of residents in Garden City and they are very concerned especially because of these fires lately.

“If it set on fire and there was a little bit of wind there is no question that the houses would catch fire.

“The residents won’t be able to sleep easy at night until it has been knocked down.”

Despite planning permission being granted to developers Walesgate Ltd in 2008, work is yet to start on the building.

Cllr Jones added: “I’m saying get it demolished. It’s an eyesore, it’s dangerous and it’s totally anti-social.”

A spokesman for Flintshire Council said: “A representative from environmental health has visited the site and has spoken with local representatives of the owners. The property has been secured.”

Walesgate Ltd was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.