A VANDALISED former old people's home is to be saved from the bulldozer despite calls for it to be demolished.

Glenroyd House, in Consett, had been earmarked for use as a centre for local community groups since it ceased being a home.

But, while standing empty, it suffered severe damage when thieves broke in to steal copper piping.

Durham County Council's cabinet has agreed to spend about £60,000 on repairing the building so it can be leased to the Derwentside Council for Voluntary Services and Volunteer Bureau at a peppercorn rent.

The bureau will undertake some of the work itself, reducing the total cost of restoration from about £138,000.

Acting director of corporate services Lesley Davies said it had been intended that the letting would cost the council nothing other than the value of the property.

Paying for repairs could impact on the money available for other projects, she added.

Independent councillor for Dipton, Reg Ord, voiced concern about the state of some of the council buildings that are used by the community.

He said: "These buildings are getting older and older, and are quite simply a liability.

"I am concerned that Glenroyd House will be one added to the list."

The council's deputy chief executive, Chris Tunstall, commented that it was Government and council policy to support community ventures, saying "they do a valuable job''.

He said it was unfortunate that the building had been damaged, adding: "Nobody knew the building was going to be trashed.''

Derwentside District Council leader Alex Watson said afterwards that the building should have been pulled down.

"All I can hope is that the essential repairs are carried out as soon as possible, particularly the provision of a safe access.

"That should be addressed before anyone takes up residence in the building. It really isn't disabled-friendly and there is a lot of work to be done.

"I'm extremely disappointed that local views have not been taken into account.

"I wanted it demolished because it is an unsafe location. You have Rosemont, the residential home, next door, and St Patrick's Primary School nearby attracts an awful lot of traffic.

"Because of the businesses opposite there are tailbacks, and that makes it accident-prone."