Trespassers break into former Catholic college near Wigan

Intruders have been causing havoc at one of the Wigan area's most impressive landmarks
By Charles Graham
Published 14th Sep 2020, 13:57 GMT
Updated 14th Sep 2020, 14:00 GMT
Police outside one of the gates to the former St Joseph's CollegePolice outside one of the gates to the former St Joseph's College
Police outside one of the gates to the former St Joseph's College

Police reported that trespassers had broken into the sealed off grounds of St Joseph's College, Up Holland, over the weekend and have been causing damage.

The former Roman Catholic seminary closed its doors more than 20 years ago and has stood empty ever since as various plans to put the Grade II listed building to new use have come and gone.

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A spokesman for Ormskirk and rural West Lancashire Police took to social media to say: "Officers have been called to the old St Joseph's site due to people damaging property and trespassing.

St Joseph's CollegeSt Joseph's College
St Joseph's College

"If you're out and about and see a fence covered in signs saying, for example 'private property' or 'trespassers will be prosecuted' it is not an invitation to climb over or make a hole big enough to squeeze through.

"The fence is there for a reason, St Joseph's is dangerous and should not be 'explored' by anyone!"

Anyone who knows who has been breaking into the grounds has been urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.