RESIDENTS fear children are putting their lives at risk by playing in a derilect building where a teenager was injured.

Ashley Wadsworth, aged 13, is recovering in the Royal Bolton Hospital after plummeting 25 feet through two floors at the former Corner Bakery, on Marsh Fold Lane, Heaton. The Smithills School pupil, of Silverdale Road, Heaton, and a friend had climbed up scaffolding to the roof, where they managed to get inside the building, which has recently been sold and is undergoing extensive renovation.

Once inside, the floor is believed to have collapsed beneath Ashley's feet, causing him to fall through two floors, before landing on the ground.

Hayward School pupil Drew Fulton, aged 13, who lives opposite the building in Harvest Park, was passing when he heard cries for help.

He and a neighbour, also aged 13, entered the premises to try to help Ashley, but Drew also became injured when he pulled a muscle in his chest

Drew said: "He was lying on the floor and in a lot of pain. He had fallen through two floors from the attic."

His mother, who does not wish to be named, said: "The other boy was very lucky that he wasn't more seriously hurt from what I hear.

"The problem is that the scaffolding has been up throughout the school holidays and it's like a magnet to the kids.

"There has been work going on during the day but at night it is left open for them to get in and kids being kids you can't keep them away as much as we have tried."

Another neighbour said: "Kids these days are looking for a bit of adventure and a derelict building is bound to attract their attention." Eric Sievers bought the building from the previous owners two months ago and planning permission has been granted for two self-contained flats.

He said: "We have had problems with kids causing damage to the property since we started the renovation.

"I am trying to create homes for two families and well as lengthening our project and reducing moral, these kids are putting themselves in danger."