Warning to trespassers who use The Hub's facilities out of hours

TRESPASSERS have been warned they’re risking injury or worse by venturing into a Teesdale community centre after hours.

Laura Carrick, from the TCR Hub, wants people to respect their gates

Barnard Castle’s TCR Hub, on Shaw Bank, has seen an increase in people vaulting the gate and roaming its grounds after hours.
CCTV cameras have caught parents and children ignoring warning signs while others have fished the lake to the rear of the building without permission.
The deputy manager of the Hub, Laura Carrick, warned details of those ignoring
signs and entering the grounds would be passed onto police.
She said: “We have always operated on the system that if the centre is open, so are
the grounds and if the centre is shut, so are the grounds – people generally follow that.
“I can understand people are attracted to the facility which is great – we want people to come when the centre is open but the big issue for us is safety.
“We have got a large expanse of water at the back and when the gates are closed there is no emergency access.
“We monitor health and safety quite stringently and we cannot do that when we’re not here.”
The “spike” in trespassing cases hasn’t led to damage but Ms Carrick was concerned by the wide demographic of those flouting the rules. She added: “I think people would assume it’s young people but I would like to stress it’s absolutely not.
“The demographic is really wide ranging – we have had older people including a father and his children which
is not setting a good example.” Youngsters bringing their own bikes to the BMX
skate park unsupervised and anglers trespassing on Sundays have also posed problems.
Ms Carrick added: “We offer fishing and we’ve got a catch and return policy but people have been fishing when there is nobody on site.
“I am sure they’re following policy and procedure but we just don’t know.”
CCTV footage is now being monitored more closely by staff in the wake of the unsupervised access.
Sgt Simon Rogers, from Barnard Castle Police, said he wasn’t aware of any official complaints being made.
He added: “As with any similar type of incidents if we receive complaints then we will look into the matter and
put extra resources or
patrols into an area when required.”
Staff at the Hub are looking to start talks with the police Ms Carrick said the site was doing everything in its power to protect people.
She added: “It’s an open site and it’s difficult to police but we hope people the community realise it’s a resource for them and we do not want people spoiling that.
“If we are not here just respect the fact we aren’t and return when we are – we’re here until 8pm or 9pm for six days a week.
“There’s plenty of opportunity to come outside working hours and school hours.”