Youths climbing roof of Lurgan Hospital told to '˜stop'

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has appealed for public support to help stop youths taking part in this ‘extremely dangerous activity’.

Over recent weeks, there have been a number of reports of young people accessing the site and running across roofs in the evening time, according to the Trust.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We are seriously concerned for the safety of young people who are gaining unauthorised access to the site and taking part in this extremely dangerous activity.

“We have reported this to the PSNI but also appeal to parents, local residents and members of the community for their support before someone gets seriously injured,” said the Trust spokesperson.

Over recent years anti-social behaviour in the hospital estates area has been on the rise with constant complaints from residents and staff at the hospital itself.

So serious has the issue of anti-social behaviour become in the Lurgan area, it became the focal point of last week’s Policing and Community Safety Partnerships meeting at Craigavon’s Civic Centre.

According to the PSNI’s own statistics anti-social behaviour is one rise with almost 500 more incidents this year than last year - a rise of almost nine percent.

“Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity at Lurgan Hospital should contact the PSNI on 999 or 101,” said a Trust spokesperson.