A TOWN mayor is "concerned" for the future of comedy legend Stan Laurel's former school, which was damaged by fire earlier this year.

Barbara Laurie, who was elected as Bishop Auckland's first mayor this summer, is growing frustrated at an apparent lack of progress in deciding the fate of the grade II listed building.

The derelict building, part of King James I Community College, was ravaged in an arson attack in March, but although badly damaged, there are hopes that the building can be saved.

Coun Laurie wants to see the ground floor used as a council chamber, committee room and offices, with the rest of the building rented as business starter units.

However, speaking at a meeting of Bishop Auckland's new town council on Tuesday evening, she said that the group had been unable to meet with the county council, the sole trustee of the building, where Stan Laurel was boarder in 1903.

She said: "There is money out there, but we can't do anything because the county council won't talk to us. I have absolutely no tangible reason for saying the county will speak to us.

Coun Laurie said that, as well as its historic value, the venue could become profitable and was "too nice to ignore."

She added: "It's a Bishop Auckland building that's at risk, and we've had too many 'at risks' that have just vanished. We must be concerned about its future."

A spokesman for Durham County Council said: "A report, which seeks to clarify the trust arrangements for the building, and therefore where the authority lies for decisions as to its future use, has been drawn up and is due to be considered by senior County Council officers later this month.

"That will pave the way for consideration by members of the council's cabinet and the building's trustees of potential options for the building's future use, taking into account the comments and observations made by a wide range of interested parties."