A FORMER Coleg Harlech residential tower block that has been empty for 10 years has had a Gwynedd Council protection order placed on it.

This is to allow council staff to reinstall safety barriers at the entrance to the building to ensure the safety of the public.

This follows several incidents of vandalism and graffiti in the building. One person was even photographed standing on top of the building.

Joe Patton, from Harlech, is concerned by the state of the building.

He said: “For the past decade what once was a vibrant home for over 100 students has been abandoned and neglected to become a magnet for youngsters whose horseplay can so easily result in their injury or fatality.

“Whilst I do not condone the action of intruders this does not excuse the need for the owners to take steps that prevent unauthorised access then frequently monitor the building to promptly secure any areas where entry has been gained.

“Thankfully Gwynedd Council have now recognised the dangers of this building and have intervened to serve the owners with a notice that they intend to take action to prevent unauthorised access.

"Public safety is a priority and I applaud the actions of Gwynedd Council and trust action will be taken against the owners to recoup the costs involved.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “This notice was placed at the site in order to allow council public protection staff to re-install barriers at the entrance to the buildings to ensure the safety of the public after they had been vandalised.”