Site now boarded up to prevent vandalism

VANDALISED . . . the former Crompton Ambulance station in Shaw.

THE old ambulance station in Shaw has been boarded up following public outcry over vandalism at the site.

Oldham Council officers attended the former Crompton Ambulance Station in Moor Street on Tuesday night as part of efforts to make it safe.

It comes after several reports of anti-social behaviour, including youths jumping off the dilapidated building and climbing on the roof.

Needles were also found strewn on the floor of the premises, which was sold to a private owner by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) just over two weeks ago.

Residents have called for the building to be made secure and for offenders to be dealt with by the police.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Howard Sykes said he hopes that the building can be brought back into use, potentially as local housing.

He said: "We fought to try and keep this building in the past. Then it was boarded up while it was still owned by the NHS.

"There has been a real increase in the amount of vandalism and destruction.There are quite a few needles just left lying on the floor inside. It continues to be a blight and a real magnet for anti-social behaviour.

"The owner needs to secure the building."

Vandals have targeted the old station since its permanent closure in 2016, when NWAS' estates programme board moved its operations to Oldham.

Oldham Council has received "numerous complaints" over destruction, vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the old ambulance station.

Officers have contacted the site's new owner calling for him to secure the premises.

Councillor Sykes, who represents Shaw and Crompton ward on Oldham Council, raised concern over the rise in crime across Shaw in recent weeks.

Police were called to Market Street, in Shaw, on Monday after reports of a man carrying a large knife.

Councillor Sykes said: "I haven't known this sort of outcry over a situation in Shaw for a long time.

"Some residents are worried children are going to hurt themselves. Others have complained about the noise and destruction in what is otherwise a very quiet neighbourhood."