Fears have been expressed that someone may be injured or killed at the former Sunnyside Hospital site, as reports of children gaining entry to the site continue almost daily.
Montrose and District Independent Councillor Tommy Stewart issued the warning after receiving a number of calls about groups of youths loitering in the grounds, and accessing the boarded up buildings.
Councillor Stewart said: “Over the last few years, these buildings have become increasingly dangerous, as pipes and lead has been stripped out.
“Despite the significant efforts of the owners, who have taken a number of measures including boarding up the buildings, it appears youths are undeterred and continue to gain access to the site.
“Quite simply, the buildings are unsafe, and those entering them risk endangering themselves.
Mr Stewart said that he had received information suggesting the youths are not from the immediate vicinity, but are travelling from Montrose.
“I drove up to the site recently, and was confronted by the sight of over a dozen youths in the grounds.
“I’m sure most of us can appreciate that many youths wouldn’t even think of any potential danger, we were all kids ourselves who loved to explore, but this is not the place to do it.
The site has attracted groups of up to 30 or 40 people at a time including former staff members, so-called ‘urban explorers’ and paranormal investigators on torchlit ghost hunts.
Mr David Stewart, Director of Sunnyside Estates Ltd slammed those responsible.
“This situation is extremely frustrating, as it now seems to be almost a sport for some people, but the fact is that these buildings contain asbestos and are dangerous,” he said.
“It is now at the stage where we are having to survey the site almost daily and send staff up re-secure the site.
“This is not just adding needless expense, it is also diverting much needed resource away from other jobs.
“We have also had calls from neighbouring properties about anti-social behaviour on the site, which is also concerning.
“We may have to fence the area off, which is a shame because we know people like to walk their dogs there, but vandals are also smashing windows from the inside which is scattering broken glass that may injure someone or their pet.
“We do employ a security guard, but obviously he has no powers of arrest, and we continue to liaise closely with the police, who have increased their patrols in the vicinity.
“However, this also impacts on the ability of the police to patrol other areas.
Inspector Alice Coventry from Police Scotland said: “There are a number of empty and derelict buildings in Angus, many of which are hazardous environments.
“People place themselves at risk if they enter these buildings, climb on scaffolding or on the roofs.
“Each year in the UK, dozens of individuals are injured and require hospital treatment as a result of falls and injury while exploring derelict or empty premises.
“We are asking parents and carers to assist us, to keep children safe and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in our community.
“We urge parents and carers to be aware of where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.
“Talking to your child about potential dangers and their consequences could make a difference to their safety.
“It is important for young people to understand the potential risks and consequences of their actions.
“They may get involved in activity they may consider is just ‘a bit of a laugh’ without considering the potential consequences.
“We would also like to ask so-called ‘urban explorers’ to keep out of these buildings.
“They are boarded up for a reason and are potentially unsafe, may possibly contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, or be structurally unsound.
“Officers within Angus will be patrolling areas that have been identified for particular anti-social behaviour calls of this type and we will be working within our communities to reduce incidents of this nature.
“Anyone who is found to have forced entry to a premise will be dealt with and appropriate enforcement action will be taken.”
If you wish to report anti-social behaviour, or need advice and assistance, contact Police Scotland on 101.
