The Northern Echo : News, Sport, Business, Leisure from the North East and North Yorkshire

Children arrested at former hospital

From the Northern Echo, first published Thursday 26th Feb 2004.

PARENTS are being warned that children in Chester-le-Street are facing prosecution for vandalising a disused hospital.

At the weekend, police arrested 14 youngsters, aged between nine and 15, for breaking windows and vandalising the former Highfield Hospital.

Last night, Inspector Dave Marshall, of Chester-le-Street police, said: "We are taking this very seriously indeed and appealing to parents to keep their children under control.

"They are putting themselves in danger and wrecking the building as it is already semi-derelict.

"Parents need to be aware that the police will prosecute anyone caught damaging the place."

Police will be carrying out patrols to make sure young people do not return to the site.

A fresh application to develop the site, off Newcastle Road, into housing has been submitted to Chester-le-Street District Council which is expected to make a decision in either February or March.

Residents opposed the original plan and the committee refused planning permission earlier this month.

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