Security has been increased at Thornbury Hospital after repeated anti-social behaviour outside.

The hospital has been plagued by groups of young people congregating outside with recent reports of windows being smashed and fireworks thrown.

In the past anti-social behaviour has been reported related to youths running across the roof of the hospital.

Staff and patients have been ‘intimidated’ by the behaviour and vandalism, forcing bosses to take action in an attempt to make the building safe.

Tricia Down, head of sustainable health and capital planning, at North Bristol NHS Trust said: “Ensuring staff and patients feel safe is a priority for us and we are concerned about the anti-social behaviour, intimidation and vandalism that has been taking place at Thornbury Hospital out of hours.

“We continue to run a small number of clinics and midwifery services from the outpatient department and Sirona Care & Health provides inpatient care from Henderson Ward at Thornbury Hospital along with some outpatient clinics.

“Due to these problems we are having to increase security and take measures to make the building safe and these costs will have to be covered by existing NHS funds.”

Commenting on Facebook residents called the incidents ‘shocking’ and ‘disgraceful’.

Others have demanded that the police take action.

Roger Hall said: “I think the majority of Thornbury residents are sick to the back teeth of the frankly pathetic response we get, if any, to the growing number of anti-social behaviour and arson incidents that the Town has been subjected to over the last 18-24 months.

“Damage to property appears to be very low in police priorities, perhaps they would be more proactive if a member of the public was seriously injured or even killed during one of these moronic, senseless attacks.”

Roger also called for a public meeting to be held with a senior police officer present.

Avon and Somerset Police have been approached for comment.