Unlikely site of latest stay away warning

It has emerged that young people from the wider area are harnessing social media to arrange meet ups at Hartwood hospital near Shotts – and breaking lockdown rules in the process.

The village, which has its own its own station, has acted as a magnet for groups who are creating a noise nuisance into the night on the eerie deserted grounds.

The former Lanark District Asylum, which has imposing twin clock towers, was the site of a major fire four years ago and had been subject to earlier wilful fire raising attacks including a key incident in 2004.

Fed-up residents have rasied concerns with the police and MP Neil Gray as there appears to be no let-up in sight.

Mr Gray is also of the view that police have not been as proactive as they should have been, with the net result that the problem has persisted without any intervention for months on end, as the number of visitors rises.

Mr Gray said: “I have had numerous emails and calls from Hartwood residents regarding the problem of gatherings at the old hospital.

“Not only are they concerned about the noise coming from those gathered but also the safety aspect of people being at the abandoned site.

“I have been in contact with Police Scotland over many months to try to get this sorted and I think the time has come to put tougher measures in place.

“Social media channels are being used by some to attract others and teach them how to break into the site making the problem worse.

“So I, and the residents of Hartwood, want to see a harder line taken to stop this once and for all.”

When the Motherwell Times put these comments to Police Scotland, a key officer issued a fresh stay away warning in turn.

And she insisted that officers would take action with those who ignore the advice to stay away.

Community Sergeant Lorna Hinshelwood said: “We are aware of groups of teenagers and young adults travelling from the local area and further afield to gatherings at this site, some of which are being co-ordinated on social media.

“This site is not a safe place and no one should enter without the permission of the owners.

“I am appealing directly to those involved in organising or attending these gatherings to stop.

“We are working with the owners of the site, Taylor Homes, to tackles these issues and our patrols will be checking the area regularly.

“When incidents are reported to us we will continue to work to deal with those responsible.

“Anyone who has concerns about antisocial behaviour should call us on 101.

“Officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

“I would remind everyone that the regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes.

“This involves, for example, basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“The Chief Constable has made it clear that 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 stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.”

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