This in from Tanja Rebel on behalf of the Friends of Frank James. Ed
Yet again there has been a break-in at the former former Frank James Hospital. It is thought that the culprits forced the side-entrance from the adjacent now derelict Health-Centre and then tried to break in through the front-door.
Luckily, they did not manage to break open the front door, but they did damage it quite a bit – presumably with a crowbar or other heavy tool. They also used tools or bricks to break through one of the boarded up entrances on the side and make a big hole with access to the building. Finally, loose bricks were found at the back of the building as well as damage to more security fencing.
Friends have secured fencing
The Friends of Frank James’ have secured the fencing and managed to get the front door to close a bit more properly – as it had been partially forced open – but it is not the first time this has happened and it is only a matter of time before this happens again.
The police have been notified and we have asked them to cooperate with us to prevent further break-ins. The Council will be notified too and I called the main representative of the owners of the building yesterday (Saturday).
No money for ‘Urgent Works’
He claims that there is no money for the Urgent Works Notice that has been issued by the Council which asks the owners to secure the building properly.
The question now is how much more needs to happen before the Council and the owners finally get their act together? Where is their Duty of Care or are they simply waiting for the building to burn down or someone to injure themselves badly?
We urge them to take their responsibility and do all they can to save this building for future generations!
