SECURITY has been increased around the Mid Wales Hospital, Talgarth, following complaints from local residents of people trespassing on the derelict site and causing a nuisance.
Local councillor William Powell, said: “There has been shouting, throwing of objects in the direction of the houses in the early hours of the morning in an area with people of all ages.”
The hospital, which originally opened as the Brecon and Radnor Joint Asylum in 1903, has attracted interest from so-called “ghost hunters” and “urban explorers” from all over the UK since its closure in 2000.
In more recent times there have also been problems with boy racers accessing the site and vandals and thieves plaguing the area, especially at night.
Police Sergeant Craig Morgan, from Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “The property is privately owned and we are having reports from the owner of criminal damage and civil trespassing. The owner has employed his own security and the site is fenced and monitored 24 hours a day.”
Along with broken windows and doors, the more recent damage has seen lighting columns being pulled down with the assistance of a vehicle.
Police officers are also concerned as there was asbestos in the original building materials. Made of microscopic fibres, asbestos can cause serious respiratory and lung damage if inhaled.
Mr Powell has collaborated with police to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme as well as increasing patrols in the area.
He said: “I’ve become aware of the public nuisance it has caused from spreading to the roads leading down to the hospital and also into the town centre.
“It’s where those exploring the building are looking to explore the wider town which is adding to the problem.”
The police knocked on local doors to discuss the issue with residents on Thursday, June 22.
While they received a positive response, Mr Powell feels that it needs to be followed up so the residents know how to react when they see activity.