Here it is. I knew it was here somewhere. A reader wrote to the leader of Darlington council, Councillor John Williams, and shared with him his concerns about the future of Eastbourne school.

This, hopefully without breaking too many confidences, is Coun Williams' reply: The Council evaluated a number of options available for the school premises in anticipation of it being vacated by the Academy this summer. Regrettably, the costs of retention and conversion for alternative uses are prohibitive.

In a buoyant market, you are correct that a disposal on the open market or joint venture arrangement may have been a more attractive option but bearing in mind current market conditions this is considered not to be a realistic option open to the Council.

Moreover, from our experience, once the school becomes vacant, it will become a target for vandalism and arson and even with high levels of security would be extremely vulnerable. Accordingly, the council has taken the decision to seek the early demolition of the school following vacation by the Academy.