THRILL seekers are posing major problems for police and community groups at an abandoned mental health hospital near Hay-on-Wye.

The eerie remains of the Mid Wales Hospital at Talgarth, which closed its doors in 2000, are attracting numbers of ‘urban explorers’ from all over the country.

A number of videos filmed by those looking for ‘dark’ and ‘paranormal’ experiences within the old hospital’s crumbling walls have been posted on the internet.

It has also become a regular spot for vandals and boy racers.

Complaints from local residents about noise and growing concerns about the dangers posed by this derelict building, opened in 1903 as the Brecon and Radnor Joint Asylum, have prompted calls from a specially convened Neighbourhood Management Group.

Powys Community Safety Partnership has taken the unusual step of involving all those affected by the increasing level of interest in the ruins. Police, Powys County Council, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Fire & Rescue representatives, local residents and the site’s current property developer have met with a view to tackling the problem.

In a statement, police said the site had proved challenging in recent years.

“Residents have experienced a significant level of anti-social behaviour when visitors wishing to explore the ruins behave inappropriately and often commit trespassing offences,” explained Chief Inspector Rhiannon Ivens.

“Of particular concern to the group is the structural safety of the building, asbestos contamination and anti-social behaviour involving visitors to the site.

"The buildings are unstable and are not a safe environment to enter, the floors are falling away and the risk of falling debris is high.”

As part of a committed effort to deal with the problem, police are to increase patrols in the area, using automatic number plate recognition technology. Site security is to be stepped up, windows and doors boarded up, perimeter fencing strengthened and police are looking into installing CCTV cameras.

The present owner has employed his own security team and the building is fenced and monitored around the clock.