THIEVES targeting derelict Deva Hospital have jeopardised their own health by launching toxic asbestos dust into the air.
It has emerged that the hazardous psychiatric annexe at Deva Hospital has not deterred burglars who are running the risk of contracting mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer to steal copper pipes.
Unperturbed by 100 'Warning: Asbestos' signs, thieves have evaded 24-hour security to commit a spate of break-ins at the crumbling site, disused since 2004.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust own the building and the surrounding land.
John Short, chief operating officer, says: 'Our principal concern is that asbestos is being disturbed at the old annexe building on the West Cheshire site by trespassers, despite the many warnings detailing the dangers.
'As a result, the Trust is spending money it would rather spend on services on clean-up operations and security.
'The last act of vandalism cost the Trust £18,000. The Trust has done everything reasonable to secure the site, based on the advice of the Health and Safety Executive.
'Since the most recent case of trespass the site has again been re-secured and cleaned up.'
Carol Clarke, project manager for regeneration agency English Partnerships, is helping the Trust transform the land.
She said: 'All of the empty buildings have asbestos in them. If they are not disturbed, there is no danger to anybody.
'As well as warning signs, there are two guards at the site 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it is fenced off.'
Three are charged
THREE men from Ellesmere Port appeared at Chester Magistrates Court charged with burglary at the derelict structure where copper pipes were discovered to have been cut.
Lee Atkinson, 27, pleaded guilty to the offence, carried out on July 16, while two other men denied the charge.
Geoffrey Johnson, 18, of Valley View in Great Sutton, and Warren Earlem, 22, of Naylor Road, have chosen a jury trial at Crown Court.
They will be committed for trial on September 24.
Prosecutor Nigel James said: 'The windows and doors were boarded up with 'Danger: Asbestos' and 'Keep Out' signs.
'The building is contaminated and it would cost £100,000 to decontaminate it. There is an extremely high health risk but due to his naivety and stupidity he entered anyway.'
Atkinson must complete 70 hours of unpaid work and pay £40 towards the cost of the case.
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