AN enforcement notice has been served on the owner of a derelict former chapel targeted by vandals.

The Northern Echo reported last week how youngsters had started fires inside the chapel in Hurworth Place.

Fire chiefs warned that lives could be lost if someone became trapped inside.

Darlington Borough Council's environmental health department has now served an enforcement notice on the building's owner, Masoud Mirsamadi, a local businessman. He will be required to secure the building and make it safe.

The building is secured by a padlock on the front door, but there is no door at the back. There are gaps in the floorboards and rubbish strewn around inside.

A council spokesman said: "Our environmental health officers have visited the building and they are concerned about the safety aspect of it. We have now issued an enforcement notice on the owner. You can get access inside the building and it may be dangerous for anyone that does so."

Mr Mirsamadi, who said he bought the former chapel to convert into a home, has said work will start next week to fit new windows.

Local councillors expressed concerned about the building, describing it as an "eyesore".