The debate about what to with Darlington's Eastbourne School continues. It is due for closure at the end of this term, to be replaced by a new academy. The 1930s school buildings will then be demolished, and pretty fast, too, as they will quickly become a magnet for vandals.

Here, Mrs AC Lea argues that the school should have been renovated: AS an ex-pupil of Eastbourne School, Darlington, I think it is an absolute disgrace that this magnificent building should be demolished.

I could not believe the comments from the leader of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor John Williams, saying people are crying crocodile tears for a building no longer fit for purpose.

This building is second to none, built with top quality materials to stand the test of time. Why not renovate it, like they did Hummersknott School?

What is the reason and who is benefiting from demolishing good, well-built schools and replacing them with schools built with inferior materials. And we'll end up paying rent for the new building for the next 20 years.

I would have thought in this current economic climate it would have been the sensible and cheaper option to renovate.

Stephen Beaton of Darlington suggests converting it: So the council wants ideas for Eastbourne school.

Well, here's one. Instead of wanting to pull it down, why not convert it into a hostel and put some of the homeless in it.

It will help them on the road to a better life than being on the street all night.

After reading other ideas, I think this is the best one. Those against this are not very Christian toward the homeless.

Let's give the homeless some dignity and hope by giving them a roof over their heads.

Somewhere on the Echo Memories desk is a letter the council leader, John Williams, wrote explaining the council's stance. It is about here somewhere, and as soon as it re-surfaces, we'll put it on the blog in the interests of balance.