A councillor has called for increased police patrols in a Deeside town, following the loss of one of its most historic buildings to a huge fire.
Councillor Jill Webster has written to the force asking for a heightened presence in Banchory after the destruction of Glen O’Dee Hospital.
Two 13-year-old boys have since been charged in connection with the blaze, which was discovered at around 11.30pm last Thursday.
About 65 firefighters spent 19 hours battling fierce flames at the A-listed building after the alarm was raised.
Last night, Mrs Webster, Conservative member for Banchory and Mid-Deeside, said there had been reports of graffiti, fire-raising and malicious damage across the community in recent weeks.
She added: “We are lucky to generally experience very few incidents of vandalism and I find it extremely concerning that there has been an increased level reported to me in recent weeks.
“This is particularly worrying given the terrible fire at Glen O’Dee Hospital which led to the complete destruction of the building.
“I have asked the police to up patrols and also to raise this in their visits when they talk to pupils at schools.”
Lib Dem councillor for the area, Karen Clark, described the loss of the hospital as “very, very sad”.
She said: “There are three planning applications pending for the building, so we’d hope, in terms of the planning service, they can liaise with the owner and ensure, in terms of development, something is coming forward in the very near future.”
She added: “Having spoken to the police today, they tell me they have been stepping up patrols in the area. Banchory has a low crime rate, but none of us can afford to be complacent.”
Last night, local inspector Martin Burgess said: “Officers have been made aware of a number of alleged incidents highlighted to us by a local councillor.
“To address these concerns, high-visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area, which have been responded to very positively by the community.”
He urged anyone with concerns to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
