An abandoned former hospital had become a ‘hub for antisocial behaviour’, with people using drugs and defecating throughout the property, before police made the decision to close it for good.
The building was used during both World War I and World War II as a military hospital, but has been vacant for several years.
Pictures of the property, in Millfield, Peterborough, show faeces in piles on the floor, with bags of rubbish strewn across the carpet.
Police said the location attracted drug use, rough sleeping, criminal damage and other anti-social behaviour.
The force received numerous calls about the former hospital among the homeless community and known drug users, who have been squatting on site.
PC Dan Lindop said: ‘The visual damage and decline of the building is infuriatingly apparent – human defecation in all rooms as well as outside, uncapped needles throughout, flooring ripped up, radiators pulled off walls, exposed wiring, evidence of fires being set to name a few things.’
The officer expressed concern for elderly people living at the retirement home next door to the former hospital.
‘What was once a very lovely home and subsequent business premises is now in a general state of disrepair and has the potential to cause serious injury and/or loss of life to those using the building and residents of the adjoining retirement housing complex,’ he said.
Local police have issued a full closure order on site, which means that the land and the property is closed to everyone except landowners, contractors, and the emergency services.
Failure to comply with the order could result in imprisonment of up to three months, a fine, or both.
PC Lindop added: ‘We have had numerous reports to us relating to concerns for the building and safety of the individuals gaining access to it, as well as residents from the retirement housing complex expressing concerns around feeling anxious and unsafe in their homes because of the activity next door.
‘The activity has also attracted significant anti-social behaviour in the area surrounding the property, affecting the wider community and neighbouring residents.
‘I hope this action provides some reassurance to the community. We will continue to regularly visit the property and anyone found breaching the order will be dealt with robustly.’
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