Thrill seekers putting their lives at risk
THRILL-SEEKING tresspassers could be putting their lives at risk, police in Market Bosworth have warned.
People from across the country are visiting the derelict Hornsey Rise Memorial Home in Wellsborough, with websites encouraging adventurers to explore the site.
Market Bosworth Police said in a post on its Facebook page that increasing numbers of people have been found at the former care home on Bosworth Road.
It has been plagued by vandalism and fire bugs since its closure in 2012.
The force said in a post on its Facebook page: “This site is extremely dangerous with concealed underground drainage, unstable floors in the buildings and an endless list of trip and fall hazards.
“As exciting as some people may think this place is - is it really worth potentially seriously harming yourself - or worse!
“We are aware that there are websites saying that the place is safe and perfectly ok to go onto the site.... however this is NOT the case!
“It is NOT safe amd this is private property so anybody on the premises is trespassing.”
Plans have been filed to demolish the crumbling ruins of the home and build new homes on the site.
The plan would include the conversion of a former chapel into a new home and the provision of eight affordable homes.
A report to members of the planning committee said earlier plans for 27 homes, including a three storey apartment block, had been scaled down.
While the report acknowl- edges development in a rural area conflicts with the local development plan, the need to develop the site to reduce antisocial behaviour as well as social and economic benefits of development are considered to weigh in favour of the plans.
The Hornsey Rise Memorial Home was opened in 1921 by the National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants (NATSOPA).
In 1974, it was taken over by the Pilgrims’ Friend Society and catered for the needs of elderly Christians, with a chapel, formal gardens and summer pavilion all built on the grounds.
A war memorial remains in the grounds and, during the public consultation for the housing plans, respondents asked that public access be maintained to the memorial.