Dog patrols start for 'most dangerous site in Wellington'

LONG-awaited security measures appeared to be in place this week to prevent people entering what has been branded Wellington’s most dangerous derelict site.

The former Tonedale Mill woollen factory has been closed and steadily falling into disrepair since the business shut more than 25 years ago.

Numerous people have been injured while trespassing in the ruins, including a 15-year-old girl who in 2020 fell through the floor from the top of the four-storey building but survived with serious spinal and pelvis injuries.

Despite police warnings and town council concerns, the perimeter of the grade two star listed mill has regularly been breached, with infrequent security patrols not enough to deter intruders.

‘Urban explorers’ have been documenting online their escapades in the abandoned premises since at least 2013.

Now, a new security and search and rescue dog training business, Westcountry K9s, has been allowed to use the site and in exchange will provide a security service.

Business owner Craig Baker, a former jockey, warned: “These dogs bite.”

Mr Baker said in the first four days since accessing the site he had stopped about 40 people who had tried to gain entry, some who had travelled from other parts of the country.

He said the ruined buildings were so dangerous that even a pigeon flying overhead could dislodge masonry which could fall onto somebody.

Mr Baker said: “It is a major risk to safety.

“The police are not allowed to enter the buildings because of the danger, so the only ones that can go inside are the canines.

“We are using it as a training facility and at the same time we can offer security for the whole site.

“Other security firms have signed-up in the past but not delivered.”

Mr Baker said there was interest from the police and Army in also using Tonedale Mill as a training ground.