CCTV installed at former Leanchoil Hospital in Forres to prevent further break-ins and vandalism
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A MUCH-loved local building was targeted by vandals again.
Leanchoil Hospital, closed for good two years ago by NHS Grampian as part of new integrated model of health and social care for the Forres area backed by the Moray Integration Joint Board (IJB), is currently locked and boarded up but this has not been enough to prevent break-ins and vandalism.
The Leanchoil Trust was formed as a result of Forres Community Council's push for an alternative future for the site, dependant on its community asset transfer.
Trust chairman Graham Hilditch confirmed Leanchoil Hospital is still under the ownership of NHS Grampian and security is their responsibility.
He said: "Any break-ins are reported by the police to the owner not Leanchoil Trust.
"NHS Grampian boarded up all of the windows and doors in the hospital at the beginning of the year to prevent unauthorised entry."
He added: "The public need to be aware that any vandalism, repairs and security has to be paid out of the NHS budget which is already under pressure during the coronavirus crisis.
"Talks are ongoing between the trust and potential partners, including Erskine veterans care charity. Trustees have worked tirelessly since the Covid-19 outbreak to find a solution to the future of Leanchoil. We are still hopeful of delivering a successful outcome for the local community."
Last December, police investigated a YouTube video depicting "abandoned building explorers" entering Leanchoil via an open window. NHS Grampian also reviewed security at Leanchoil in light of the incident.
Police have confirmed they are now investigating a number of break-ins and vandalism incidents that have occurred in recent weeks.
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman confirmed the security of the building is being taken seriously.
She said: "We have installed CCTV cameras on the Leanchoil site. Security staff also patrol it twice daily.
"Regrettably, vandalism on site includes damage to the building itself, broken windows, and damage to the panels used to secure windows.
"This is particularly disappointing in the current climate; every time we have to attend Leanchoil it takes staff away from other core duties.
"There is considerable community interest in this site and its future use. Damage to the fabric of the building will inevitably have an impact. We would encourage anyone with any information about the vandalism to get in touch with Police Scotland directly."
Anyone with any information should call Police Scotland on 101.
