SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Interesting story with an impact on Urban Explorers:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... ce=refresh

I will just access your house to explore by removing your lock is that OK? Common sense really don't damage the property you are about to explore, if you have to damage it to enter be prepared to pay the price.

Along the same lines, everyone is aware that certain actions are against the law, but still does them. If you are caught don't winge, and accept the penalty without demur. If you think the law is wrong, work to get the law changed, but until that takes place if you can't "do the time" don't do the crime.

It may not be the right thread to post this but I wish that when a building is due to be demolished that a final come in and have a look around could be arranged. For example the old Weights & Measures building near Millgarth Police Station was demolished on May 16 2014. I had never been in it and it would have been nice to have had a look even if there may not have been much left. Looking around what is left of Millgarth before that gets demolished could be interesting.

Leodian wrote: It may not be the right thread to post this but I wish that when a building is due to be demolished that a final come in and have a look around could be arranged. For example the old Weights & Measures building near Millgarth Police Station was demolished on May 16 2014. I had never been in it and it would have been nice to have had a look even if there may not have been much left. Looking around what is left of Millgarth before that gets demolished could be interesting. The answer will likely come down to HSAW act 1974 and the fear of litigation if you were to walk into a cobweb

Does anybody know what he actually did? The story doesn't give much detail.

He was arrested for conspiring to commit criminal damage, police breaking into his home and confiscating his research.The 33-year-old was spared prison and given a conditional discharge after a lengthy battle where academics claimed his prosecution was a breach of academic liberty.He pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal damage which included removing a wing nut from a door, as well as removing a board and replacing it again.As you can see he was a real menace to society.

Small world, I shared a house for three years with the Danny Dorling quoted at the end of the article. I wondred where he'd got to.

Mark S wrote: He pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal damage which included removing a wing nut from a door, as well as removing a board and replacing it again.As you can see he was a real menace to society. Personally I'm glad to hear that the police have finally won the battle against real crime, enabling them to focus their attention on the scourge on society that is wing nut removers.Although on a more serious note, where did he go exploring to provoke this level of response? Makes you wonder doesn't it?

Recently I was invited to a meeting at Quarry House and afterwards as I was leaving via the reception I paused to check out the internal architecture features. I was approached by a uniformed security guard who asked me to explain what I was doing there. I informed him that I'd just had a meeting and that I was having a look at the buildings architecture as I'd seen the place from outside dozens of times but this was the first time I'd been invited within. Anyway his manner was very hostile and despite my politeness and earnest explanation and enquiring about the features of the building I was unceremoniously escorted by my elbow from the building and led off the grounds. I enquired as to whether there were any opportunities for the public to be given a guided tour of the place or if the place opened up for the Heritage Open Days to which the security guard replied quite coldly 'No, its a government building'. I really felt as though he'd taken me for some kind of terrorist threat despite the fact I wasnt taking photographs, nor was I then, or am I now a person of middle eastern ancestry who was carrying a suspicious rucksack. I was very disappointed that as a Leeds resident and tax payer I was subjected to this rude treatment for taking an interest in a landmark building that is after all public owned. I'd read about parts of this building in the excellent 'All Points North' by Simon Armitage and having seen it many many times I was quite excited that I'd had the opportunity to go inside, however this hostile reception I received from the security guard really spoiled my experience.