URGENT action was demanded today to prevent parts of Weymouth becoming flooded with ex-prisoners.

Families said they were concerned about the number of criminals settling in the community and fear it could hit the resort's vital tourist trade.

The area, which has three prisons on Portland and one at Dorchester, has seen a number of plans for ex-offender accommodation come forward in recent months.

Only today it emerged that a house in Weymouth due to be sold was put back on the market at the last minute because the sellers were concerned that 'vulnerable' prisoners on licence would be living there.

At a heated public meeting last night Park District residents and members of the new Weymouth Action Group formed to fight an offenders' hostel plan, said 'enough was enough' and called for steps to be taken before Weymouth 'turns into a penal colony.'

They criticised the easy access ex-offenders had to 'bed-sit' accommodation in the Park District and called for more affordable housing for local young families and fewer hostels.

Residents' fears echo the comments of police inspector Paul Gillott who said four years ago the area was being 'drip-fed with hardened criminals' who stayed in Weymouth after being released from local prisons and drug rehabilitation centres, to continue their life of crime.

The issue of prisoners in the community dominated the agenda at the Waterside Weymouth Community Forum meeting, which was attended by more than 40 people.

Park District resident Sally Todd said: "I have found the crime here worse than some parts of London.

"The Park District is a dumping ground for prisoners. When they are released they jump the housing list and get a bedsit. We're never going to sustain Weymouth as a tourist centre if this continues, it will turn into a penal colony."

She said Weymouth had more than its fair share of rehabilitation centres and expressed concern that no one knew how many facilities there were.

Resident Anita Boyle said: "The Park District is a small area and it's a question of saturation. The Park Street side used to be vibrant and full of life and now it's run-down and seedy."

Families called for a meeting to be held between the police, borough council and social services to address the issues.

Izzy Robinson of Derby Street praised the police and said offenders needed to be treated effectively if they stood any chance of going straight.