A 30-ft former mine building "should have been fixed years ago" according to our readers, in response to an image that show youths climbing on the structure.

In the image, teenagers can be seen on top of the old Duke Pit fan house, which overlooks Whitehaven harbour.

Whitehaven town councillor Graham Roberts said: “It’s very dangerous. If they came down and injured themselves, there’s no knowing what could happen.

“Youngsters don’t see the danger that older people do. We all think we are invincible when we’re younger but we’re not.

“I think it may be that the appropriate authority has to make it difficult for people to climb up.”

Mayor of Whitehaven, Chris Hayes, said he was also concerned about the youngsters falling off and believes that more needs to be done to engage with them.

He said: “They’re not bad kids. They’re really not.

“All we’re worried about is that they’re safe."

In response, Kairen Gearing said: "It should've been fixed years ago, start putting money into sorting it out. I’m sure something good could be done to save it and allow people to visit it.

"It’s a part of our history so bring it back to life before it does cause an accident."

John Graham said: "Access should be blocked to the dangerous sections of this building. The owners would be held responsible should anyone incur injuries - or worse."

The phemonenon of youngsters playing in the structure isn't new, however.

Darren Goodwin remembered: "Used to get inside and see how far we could run up the sides. That was in the early 80s."