Demolition of former care home begins

The former nursing home has become a site for anti-social behaviour

Demolition of a former care home in West Sussex has started after discussions between the owners of the site and the local council.

Crawley Borough Council (CBC) said The Gables, a former nursing home in Ifield, had fallen into significant disrepair after closing down several years ago.

Since its closure, CBC said the site has been the target of anti-social behaviour, including fires being started deliberately.

Hoardings have been put up around the site to prevent any further anti-social behaviour on the site and once the demolition has been completed, the owners of the site will work with the council on future uses for the site.

The leader of CBC, Michael Jones, said: "We expect property owners to take their responsibilities seriously and not allow buildings to become hubs of anti-social behaviour.

"We will not hesitate to use our statutory powers to take action and drive out anti-social behaviour from the borough."