INQUISITIVE teenagers are being warned not to trespass into a 'dangerous' derelict building over fears for their safety.

Copeland Police say that youths are entering a disused building known locally as the Mansion at Hollins Close, in Mirehouse, Whitehaven.

Officers recently sent away 13 young people who were inside the eyesore building, and have informed their parents that they were involved in anti-social behaviour.

Carl ‘Wammo’ Walmsley, who represents Whitehaven South on Copeland Council, said: “This has been an ongoing issue on the estate for a while.

"It seems to have got worse since the old St Benedict’s building was demolished and the Pow Beck old folks’ home is currently under demolition.

“The residents close by are understandably at their wits' end with not just the condition of the eyesore building in the heart of a beautiful corner of Mirehouse but they share a genuine concern for the children’s safety.

“I’m glad the police have got involved with regular visits and are cracking down on the issue.

"These kids are clearly bored and out looking for something to keep occupied in the evenings and weekends but I cannot stress enough the dangers of this anti-social behaviour.

“Please educate your children not to play in abandoned buildings. They are not indoor playgrounds. They are incredibly dangerous and can be really hard to reach for our emergency services in the event of an emergency.”

A spokesperson for Copeland Police said: “We are aware of young people entering a disused building known as the Mansion locally.

“We located 13 young people inside the building who were given strong words of advice about the safety of the building and sent away from the area.

“We will also be sending 'It's Your Choice' forms to the parents of the young people located to inform them that their child has been involved in anti-social behaviour.

“'It's Your Choice' is an intervention scheme which aims to educate young people on the consequences of their anti-social behaviour and the wider impact this has on other people. The submission of these forms result in a letter being sent to parents and are subject of increasing scrutiny should a young person reoffend.

“We are also working with partner agencies to secure the property.”

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