Public safety warning over disused buildings in Newton Abbot

Published: 24 July 2024

Warnings have gone out from emergency services and the local council to parents of children who are risking their lives breaking into disused buildings at Bradley Lane, Newton Abbot. 

The Teignbridge Council-owned buildings are earmarked to be demolished and plans for the site are still in discussion. The buildings are currently boarded up to prevent entry. 

However, over recent months groups of young people have entered the buildings through vulnerable parts of the buildings, and there have been several incidents where emergency services have been called, such as fires being started and people being trapped in the building. 

To mitigate the risks, in a multi-agency response meeting, partners have agreed a package of measures to protect young people from the dangers of entering the highly dangerous buildings, from falling through damaged flooring to being trapped in the building in a fire. 

Teignbridge District Council has now appointed a contractor to further secure the site's perimeter with 3m palisade fencing, and Devon and Cornwall Police has increased patrols in the area. There will also be additional security patrols during the evenings and weekends, to deter intruders from entering the site. 

Cllr David Palethorpe, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “We’re really concerned about reports of young people entering the building and putting themselves and others at risk, so we’re taking additional measures to make sure the site is secured.

“We’ve given the go-ahead for perimeter fencing to be installed around the site to secure the buildings, which are in a highly dangerous state and should not be entered. We’re also working with police and community partners to increase patrols around the area.

“I’d urge parents to talk to their children about the dangers of entering disused buildings, and to make sure they know where their children are over the school holidays.”