The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
People told stay out of Sunnyside
Worries that someone could be killed in decaying building
Fears continue to grow that it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed at the former Sunnyside hospital in Angus.
The theft-hit building is boarded up and riddled with asbestos, but has been a magnet for youths, paranormal investigators and socalled “urban explorers” since it closed in 2011.
Incidents of anti-social behaviour and further damage have led to increased police patrols and greater security at the site near Montrose.
Developers are increasingly fearful of someone being seriously hurt or losing their life in the building.
Sunnyside Estate director David Stewart said: “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.”
Fears have been raised that someone may soon be killed at the former Sunnyside Hospital site.
The site, north of Montrose, 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.
It closed in 2011 and the site was bought by Montrose-based Pert Bruce Construction Ltd and Edinburgh-based FM Group under the name Sunnyside Estates.
Montrose and District independent councillor Tommy Stewart has now issued a warning after receiving a number of calls about groups of youths loitering in the grounds and accessing the boarded up buildings.
Mr 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.
“I drove up to the site recently and was confronted by the sight of over a dozen youths in the grounds.”
David Stewart, director of Sunnyside Estates, added: “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.
“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 muchneeded resources away from other jobs.
“We have also had calls from neighbouring properties about antisocial 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.”