Fewer incidents recorded at derelict hospital

CAUTIOUS optimism has been a i red t hat efforts to educate firebugs over the dangers of the derelict Strathmartine Hospital may be paying off.

The empty buildings on the sprawling site continue to be targeted by young fireraisers – the latest attack prompting a major 999 turnout – but Angus councillors have been told work to curb the issue is now showing signs of success.

Angus Council scrutiny and audit committee members were given a run down of the evening incident in early June which saw 40 firefighters confronted by what was described as a “well-developed” blaze.

It took hold over three floors of one of the site’s derelict buildings, and was finally declared extinguished just before 10am the next day.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group manager Roy Dunsire said that despite the scale of the blaze, the frequency of Strathmartine incidents was hopefully going in the right direction.

“It would appear the work we have done is having an impact on the fires in that area,” he said, in relation to a multi-agency programme including extra police patrols and talks to both secondary and primary children in schools close to the site.

Monifieth and Sidlaws Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Lawrie said: “All involved in tackling the fire at the beginning of June overcame some serious challenges and they should be praised for that.

“My question is around the security of the site and what is done to stop people getting in.”

Mr Dunsire replied: “There is security, but they find loopholes and ways of getting in.”