The North Wales Police and crime commissioner visited the former North Wales Hospital site to discuss concerns raised about trespassing and vandalism.

Police and crime commissioner, Arfon Jones, met with representatives from Denbighshire County Council (DCC), who own the site, and Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, the developers.

Mr Jones said he was pleased to be able to meet with the Ruthin-based business and it was positive to see them already putting security measures in place.

Jones Bros said they had already installed CCTV cameras and erected fencing, keen to ensure the public remain safe by not trespassing on the site.

A Jones Bros spokesperson said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to raise our concerns with the police and crime commissioner.

"We have been assured that he will be contacting North Wales Police to communicate what was discussed as a matter of urgency.

“We have taken significant steps in an attempt to deter people from trespassing and carrying out vandalism.

"Unfortunately, there have been a small number of occasions where the signs and restricted access have been ignored.

“We urge everyone to stay off the site and are hopeful that North Wales Police will provide assistance in the near future.”

Mr Jones added: "I was pleased to meet the team from Jones Bros and their security firm, Steelforce UK, at the site of the former North Wales Hospital and have the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face, having taken over responsibility for the site and its security.

“It was a helpful meeting in terms of understanding the issues there. I took their concerns seriously and as a matter urgency contacted the force to relay what was discussed and flag up a number of possible options.

“I do not have the operational authority to agree a particular course of action on behalf of North Wales Police because my job is to devise the overall Police and Crime Plan and then scrutinise the force and hold them to account in implementing the strategy.

“The day to day decisions about how the force is run are the responsibility of the force and I am sure they will be in touch with Jones Bros very soon.

“In the meantime, I would appeal to people to stay away from what is a derelict and dangerous site which has been damaged by a combination of the elements and vandalism.”

Earlier this year DCC took ownership of the site from Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd. and with Jones Bros now having been chosen as preferred developers they are now planning a predominantly housing led redevelopment on the site.

The site will remain in the ownership of DCC until the outcome of a planning application from Jones Bros is known.

The date for the planning application is yet to be confirmed.