THE demolition of an eyesore building that has blighted a County Durham community for more than 20 years is well underway.

The former Easington Colliery Primary School, in Seaside Lane, has stood empty since 1997.

The Northern Echo:

With various owners failing to find a viable use for it, over the past two decades the building’s condition has deteriorated significantly.

It has become a target for vandals and its rundown appearance has impacted on property prices.

After bringing the building back into public ownership, Durham County Council consulted with residents on plans for its future, with 91 per cent of those who responded agreeing that demolition was the best way of bringing the site back into use. More than 60 per cent described it as an eyesore.

The Northern Echo:

In response to the feedback from residents, the council submitted a planning application, which was approved in October 2020, to clear the site and create a pocket park until a permanent use for the land is found.

The gates will be reinstated once demolition is complete.

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