Fight to demolish Easington Colliery school gathers pace

The school has been empty since 1997

The first step in a battle to get a listed "eyesore" school demolished has been won by County Durham villagers.

The Grade-II listed former Easington Infants School, in Seaside Lane, opened in 1915 and once housed 1,700 pupils.

Durham County Council has now agreed to seek the de-listing of the building after residents demanded it be bulldozed because it is attracting anti-social behaviour.

Heritage groups say the "historically significant" site should stay.

The school, which features two, two-storey teaching blocks, was designed in 1911 by Newcastle architect J Morson and took four years to build.

But since it closed 18 years ago residents said it has become a target for vandals, attracts vermin and has had an adverse impact on property prices.

Public inquiry

David Boyes, who represents the area on Durham County Council, said: "This is a big step forward for the village, but we do acknowledge that there might have to be a public inquiry.

"There is some sadness about having to get rid of the school, but it has had its day and with respect to heritage groups, they don't have to live opposite it."

Developer Tony Mann, who bought the site 10 years ago, said: "We now want to work with the council to discuss what should be the best way to develop the site. As soon as we can get the damn thing down the better."

James Hughes of the Victorian Society said the future of the site should be put to a public inquiry.

He said: "This is a very significant building, being 100 years old and very important in terms of where it is within the streetscape of Easington.

"It would rip the architectural heart out of the village if it were to go."

A final decision on whether the building can be de-listed will be made by Historic England.