NEIGHBOURS of a pair of arson hit houses in Little Hulton are pleading with Salford Council to demolish them.

On Saturday night a 13-year-old boy was injured after jumping from the first floor window of a derelict house on Ladywell Avenue to escape a fire.

He had been among a group of youths playing in the building and his 10ft fall was broken by a security grill which had earlier been ripped off a downstairs window.

He was allowed home after treatment in hospital for a suspected fractured wrist and concussion.

Neighbours say the incident was just the latest in a long line of vandalism and arson attacks at number 17 and the adjoining number 19 semis over several years.

The privately owned houses are now in such a bad condition that windows and doors are missing, gardens are overgrown and rubbish strewn, interiors are gutted and the roof of one property has been destroyed.

Leslie Perkins, who lives next door with his wife and six children says he and other neighbours have repeatedly contacted the council about the homes.

"They are an eyesore," he said.

He says he has lost count of the number of times the houses have been set on fire and fears a child could be killed in the buildings.

He said that the problems began nine years ago when one of the houses became empty and a target for vandals, but the difficulties intensified two years ago when the other house also became vacant.

"The kids just rip the boards off. If the council got bricks I would brick the windows and doors up myself. That is the only way to stop them," said Mr Perkins.

"We get a lot of disturbance. It goes on until 10pm at night."

As well as the appearance of the houses, which are used as drinking dens by local youths, Mr Perkins believes they are a health hazard and often sees rats around the property.

"We have all just had enough of it," he said.

Cllr John Warmisham, Salford Council's lead member for housing services said the council had been in touch with the owners of the property in order to arrange demolition.

"We have come to an agreement with the owners of 19 Ladywell Avenue and are negotiating with the owners of 17 Ladywell Avenue," said Cllr Warmisham.

"Since the incident at the weekend we have ensured the property has been secured."