'Enough is enough... They should just knock it down'

PEOPLE living around an abandoned hospital that has become the target of arson and antisocial behaviour say “it can’t go on like this”.

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

Four crews attended a fire at St Ann’s at 3.55pm on Saturday at the abandoned Pease Hill Centre site on Furze Gardens.

It is the second time in less than two months that a fire has started at the derelict hospital and care home, with the building last torched by arsonists on July 5.

When the Post visited the scene then, nearby residents repeated a strong and clear message - “knock it down or the problems will continue’.

Following Saturday's fire - the cause of which is currently unknown - residents echoed similar sentiments.

“It's so much worse than the last fire,’ said a resident who lives nearby the centre. “Our garages are completely black from smoke damage - I’ve had to have all my mobility stuff moved out. My scooter was so close to being burnt. I don’t know how long it’s been going on, it’s dreadful.

“Some people are saying it could be asbestos and they are asking everyone to stay inside. Surely there is no option for them now but to knock it down. It can’t go on like that.”