Have your say on future of derelict Easington Colliery School building
The former Easington Colliery Primary School building, in Seaside Lane, has stood empty since 1997.
With various owners failing to find a viable use for it, over the past two decades the building’s condition has deteriorated and it has become a target for vandals.
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Hide AdIts rundown appearance has also impacted on property prices and local county councillors have been calling for action to be taken.
Now Durham County Council is hoping it can resolve the issue after bringing the building back into public ownership.
Due to the lack of interest from developers, the council is considering demolishing the buildings.
It is also looking at temporary solutions for the site such as a pocket park until a permanent use is found.
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Hide AdCoun Kevin Shaw, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said: “We have worked with every owner of the school since it was sold more than 20 years ago and tried to support them in realising their plans but, sadly, none have come to fruition.
“There is simply no appetite from developers to buy the buildings and, after more than two decades of investigating all possible options, we have been unable to identify any viable solution which would also meet local needs.
“We know it is the view of many local residents that the only possible option to bring the site back into use is to demolish the buildings, which have had a detrimental impact on the area and the lives of local residents for many years now, and we must explore this option seriously.”
A public consultation on the proposals will run from Wednesday, January 15, to Wednesday, January 29.
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Hide AdDrop-in events with council officers and local county councillors will be held at Easington Colliery Welfare Hall on Thursday, January 16, from 5pm to 8pm and Tuesday, January 21, from 1pm to 4pm.
Information boards will also be displayed in Easington Colliery Library.
Residents can also provide their feedback via the following:
: Completing a questionnaire at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation
: Email [email protected]
: Write to FREEPOST SPATIAL POLICY