AS the year draws to a close, uncertainty is still hanging over the future of a village's most prominent building.

The landmark, former Easington Colliery Primary School, which has a Grade II listing, has stood empty since 1998.

The school, which dominates the top section of the village's main Seaside Lane, has fallen into serious disrepair and would take millions of pounds to renovate.

The large premises were bought in July last year by property developers Westnew Management, who after exhaustive and costly surveys decided the best way forward was to demolish the premises and create a modern housing complex in its place.

The move, however, was opposed by English Heritage, which is seeking to have the building's listing upgraded further.

But the simple economics of transforming the boarded-up premises, which have become a haven for drug takers and arsonists, saw Westnew press on with its proposal to demolish the building and develop the site.

Westnew's director, Tony Mann, says that his company's plans for a residential development will transform the village.

"It will breathe new life into the village and transform the community's main street," said Mr Mann whose company has already renovated scores of former colliery houses in Easington into affordable and modern units.

Easington District Council has revealed that the planning application for demolition and replacement homes, will come before its authority's cabinet in February.

Westnew has submitted surveys, which illustrate the difficulties and high cost of renovating the building, which it claims would not be economically feasible.

Although the building is a familiar landmark, residents have voiced their view that the time has come for it to be knocked down.

As there is certain to be fierce opposition from English Heritage, it is likely the application will eventually be called in by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office.

Whatever the council's decision, it looks set to be some time before the issue will be resolved.