'URBAN explorers' have highlighted security problems at the abandoned Mechanics’ Institute building after sneaking in under cover of darkness and videoing themselves wandering around inside.

Footage posted on YouTube showed the group getting in to the building, picking their way past discarded needles and a dead animal in the building, which has been empty for more than 30 years.

One of the group, who didn’t want to be named, later told the Adver: “We were just looking around, not doing any damage.

“We didn’t stay for too long, we just had a nosy around,” he said. “It is part of Swindon’s history and we were just exploring it.”

He claimed they had no trouble getting inside the Grade II listed landmark building, which is surrounded by safety hoardings.

“It wasn’t hard to get in, I was able to get in with ease,” he said.

The video has now been removed from YouTube.

Daniel Rose, director of the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, was concerned when he saw the video. He said he had highlighted security problems several times.

“At least twice I’ve contacted the police and said I’m here now and I can see there are issues going on,” he said.

He was later told that police wouldn’t enter the building.

Apart from physical dangers like rotten floors and crumbling brickwork, there were health risks presented by years of accumulated bird mess.

“A month or so ago the windows started opening in the attic. It was obvious that someone had got in there and was rough sleeping,” he said.

Following that incident the borough council went in and the windows were boarded up.

The Mechanics’ is high on a list of at risk sites but, earlier this year, the trust unveiled proposals to restore it as a busy community hub with conference facilities, a restaurant and theatre.

Mr Rose said the trust was keen to send surveyors in to the building, but they had so far not been given access by the council or had been able to get any interest from current property owners the Crown Estates.

“Nothing can move on if we cannot get professionals in there to assess the building. The situation has got to be resolved otherwise nothing is going to move forward," said Mr Rose.

“Obviously we are concerned about the condition of the building. That’s getting worse all the time, But we are particularly concerned that people are able to access it. It should be secure.”

Council leader David Renard said: “The individuals who gained access to the Mechanics’ Institute clearly have a flagrant disregard for their welfare and their foolish actions placed them in real danger.

“The council spent a considerable amount of money securing the outside of the building several years ago, but the interior is not in a good condition and is unsafe at any time.

“The council does not own the building but has responsibility for checking the support scaffolding and we do fix any damage caused by people trying to break into the building for public safety reasons.

“We have secured the building following this latest break-in, but it is difficult to make any building completely secure when people are intent on breaking in, especially when they’re as irresponsible as these individuals.”