Police issue warning to those visiting 'dangerous' derelict site

West Lothian Police have issued a warning to those visiting the site of an abandoned psychiatric hospital after three people were charged with vandalism.

Bangour Hospital, in Wester Dechmont, was gradually abandoned in the 1990s and is now set to be demolished and turned into housing.

Officers warned that the are is not safe for visitors and said any accidents could lead to emergency services being taken away from other duties.

Three people, aged 23, 23, and 24, were charged with vandalism at the site on Friday 5 June and a fire was reported at the site on Saturday 6 June.

Police added that they are asking people to not visit the Bangour Hospital site due to health and safety concerns, dangerous buildings and anti-social behaviour issues.

Chief Inspector Alun Williams, area commander for West Lothian, said: "We are aware of reports about people entering the Bangour Hospital site and I would encourage people not to do this.

“There are derelict buildings on the site which aren't safe for visitors - potentially taking emergency services away from other duties, and there are parking issues and concerns affecting the local community.

"Our officers are patrolling the area and speaking with the owners and site security. Three people, aged 23, 23 and 24, were charged with vandalism at the site on Friday 5 June. A fire was reported on Saturday night which we responded to alongside the fire service.

"The regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading."