Safety concerns for children breaking in to derelict building

WARNING: Images showing youngsters climbing on to old Dundee College spark new worries

Fears have been raised over the safety of youngsters as vandals continue to break in to a deserted college building.

The concerns were first raised more than two years ago when children were spotted vandalising the former Dundee College property by smashing windows and climbing on to it.

New images have emerged showing youngsters clambering on to the building on Constitution Street, raising fears their actions may result in a serious injury.

The police have said derelict buildings are a “danger” to the public, and have urged children to keep away.

Whiteburn Projects, which owns the derelict building, previously put up a sixfeet fence to secure the property in the hope of deterring the break-ins.

Attempts to stop the vandals have failed, however, as they continue to enter the unsafe building.

“Derelict and abandoned buildings can be and often are very unsafe and pose a genuine danger to anyone who ventures in. POLICE SPOKESPERSON

Coldside councillor George Mcirvine said Voxcap Investments, part of Whiteburn Projects, have been notified.

He said: “The safety of people, especially children, are of paramount importance on disused sites.

“I’ve approached council staff to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place by the external security company responsible for this particular site.”

The police said they were not aware of the new incidents but stressed the dangers of entering abandoned or derelict buildings or playing around them.

A spokesperson said: “Whether it’s children who wrongly think such buildings serve as playgrounds or places to explore, or the less well-intentioned looking to steal property, the message is the same – keep out.

“Derelict and abandoned buildings can be and often are very unsafe and pose a genuine danger to anyone who ventures in.”

The former Dundee College property has recently been advertised for sale by Whiteburn Projects after redevelopment plans fell through, which would have seen the building be transformed into hundreds of homes, as well as a gym and a cinema.

Whiteburn Projects declined to provide a comment on the recent incidents.