COUNCIL chiefs have condemned a “reckless” resident who blogged about breaking into a former Kidderminster leisure centre – just weeks after it was closed for good.

The post on the blog “28 Days Later” by user “Jon9679” features an account of how he was able to gain entry to the vacant Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre and take photographs highlighting what he thinks are safety concerns within the site.

But, his post has been criticised by Wyre Forest District Council leader, Councillor Marcus Hart, who also urged people to “stay away” from the site.

The council also confirmed that it has received a number of other reports of alleged break-ins at the vacant building, since its closure in July. This followed a suspected arson attack at the site, in Bromsgrove Street, on July 25 at around 8.55pm.

The Glades officially closed its doors for the final time on Saturday, July 2, following 30-years of service, to pave the way for the new multi-million pound Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.

Cabinet bosses are set to discuss the options for demolishing the Glades at a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday (August 10).

On the post, the blogger said the presence of “dangerous” chemicals and different gases made it “an accident waiting to happen”. It also discussed how the water and electricity were still running and there was still equipment left inside the building.

Councillor Marcus Hart, said: “We deplore this reckless and potentially dangerous act and would urge whoever is responsible to stay away.

“And, if anyone has any information or suspicions about who is behind the break-in we would encourage them to contact West Mercia Police on 101.”

Cllr Hart added: “We have been working closely with West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to make sure the building is as secure as possible and we have increased security patrols.

“The building was cleared of any items of value before it was boarded up.”

Cllr Hart confirmed at last month’s cabinet meeting that the Glades, which is part of the council’s Kidderminster Eastern Gateway project, would be demolished but a report would be published at a later date on the most effective way to do so.

He said: “This site is part of our Kidderminster Eastern Gateway project and integral to the council’s ReWyre initiative.

“Last month (July) the cabinet asked for a review to be carried out to identify the best way forward of redeveloping the site as quickly as possible.

“They will be considering the results of that review when they meet next week. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Anyone with information about the incident on July 25 is asked to call officers on 101, quoting incident reference number 763S of July 25.