Southend children seen 'running on' condemned building

Children have been seen on top of the Viking Centre, in Avro Road, which has asbestos and RAAC on site. 

Councillors Daniel Cowan and Lydia Hyde, both responsible for the St Laurence ward, have raised fears youngsters are at a risk of getting hurt.

The latest incidents follow a series of break-ins and anti-social incidents at the site, which was formerly a special care day services for adults with profound mental health and learning disabilities.

Services have since been relocated and plans have been submitted for the building to be demolished.

Both councillors say youngsters have not only gained access inside but have been spotted running on the roof.

Ms Hyde said: “Since the weekend there have unfortunately been a series of intrusions into the Viking Centre on Avro Road by a group of young people.

“This is very dangerous as the site was condemned last year due to severe RAAC and asbestos in its construction, and it is due for demolition this year.

“I am pleased to say that the police caught them, and they have been strongly spoken to by the police and have been warned of the danger they put themselves into.

“However, it is clear that we must further secure the site and accelerate the demolition actions here.”

Mr Cowan added: “We were made aware young people had been gaining access, running around, taking things, and just causing havoc.

“But the building has been condemned and is full of Raac and asbestos.

“It has been shut down and boarded up for that reason as we know issues with Raac could cause a building to collapse at any point.

“We are working to try and speed up the demolition process as much as possible.

“We don’t want anyone to be hurt, kids will be kids, and they don’t think of the dangers that they put themselves in.

"We have to make sure the building is secure and that we get it demolished as quickly as possible for the benefit of the area, and the safety of people.”

Essex Police has been contacted for comment by the Echo.