Closure order granted for abandoned Oasis centre

People breaking into an abandoned building risk being arrested as part of a new crackdown, police have warned.

Wiltshire Police has obtained a three-month partial closure order for the Swindon Oasis leisure centre after "repeated" trespass and anti-social behaviour incidents.

The order, obtained at Swindon Magistrates Court, makes it an offence for anyone apart from named people to enter the building. Anyone caught illegally entering can be arrested.

PC Jeremy Williams said it was a safety decision. He added: "There are many reasons why buildings are abandoned. They could have unstable roofs, rotten flooring, exposed live wires, or asbestos which could all pose risk to those entering."

The partial closure order comes after officers responded to two potential burglaries over the weekend at the site.

At around 16:00 GMT on Sunday, four teenagers were detained and their details obtained, but no offences were found to have been committed and the teenagers released without further action.

Just after 17:30 GMT the same day, three people were stopped and searched by officers after trying to enter the site.

PC Williams added: "We believe the majority of these reports involve people who are exploring and want to create content for social media.

"If you do get an injury, help can be difficult to summon, and rescue crews may be hesitant to enter unsafe environments."

The partial closure order on the Oasis, which has been shut since 2020, has been granted for three months.

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