Aberdeenshire's historic Duff House could get spiked railings to deter 'loitering youths'
Plans have been lodged to add spiked railings at Duff House near Banff in a bid to stop “loitering youths” from hanging around the historic mansion.
Historic Environment Scotland has applied to Aberdeenshire Council seeking permission to install the measures at the early Georgian building. In planning documents, architect M J Pendery revealed the venue “suffers from being a place where youths loiter”.
It stated that people who hang around the site after hours tend to use the window sills as makeshift seats. This has led to security alarms being set off as anyone sitting down will trigger the window’s viper vibration sensors.
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Now, a proposal has been drawn up in a bid to stop these false alarms in the future. Historic Environment Scotland is looking to add the spiked bars to the window sills in the hope that will discourage people from resting on them.
Two sizes have been put forward, however bosses are keen to keep the new additions as minimal as possible. However, they are aware that the larger spikes may be needed to “adequately perform”. The window bars could be removed altogether if they don’t solve the ongoing problem.
The spiked railings are not the only proposed addition to Duff House. Bosses also want to add a handrail next to the stairs leading to and from the shop after a staff member fell at the spot. The proposed fixture would pivot into position once the double inward opening doors are open to guests.
Finally, a new alarm sounder and light could be mounted on the outer wall to meet updated security systems and insurance rules.