Have your say on future of derelict Easington Colliery School building

Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of a former school building which has blighted their community for more than 20 years.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 9th Jan 2020, 12:57 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2020, 17:10 BST
A public consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School building. Image by Durham County Council.A public consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School building. Image by Durham County Council.
A public consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School building. Image by Durham County Council.

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

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

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Its rundown appearance has also impacted on property prices and local county councillors have been calling for action to be taken.

An aerial view of the former Easington Colliery School site. Image by Durham County Council.An aerial view of the former Easington Colliery School site. Image by Durham County Council.
An aerial view of the former Easington Colliery School site. Image by Durham County Council.

Now Durham County Council is hoping it can resolve the issue after bringing the building back into public ownership.

Due to the lack of interest from developers, the council is considering demolishing the buildings.

It is also looking at temporary solutions for the site such as a pocket park until a permanent use is found.

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Coun Kevin Shaw, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said: “We have worked with every owner of the school since it was sold more than 20 years ago and tried to support them in realising their plans but, sadly, none have come to fruition.

A consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School site.A consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School site.
A consultation has been launched into deciding the future of the former Easington Colliery School site.

“There is simply no appetite from developers to buy the buildings and, after more than two decades of investigating all possible options, we have been unable to identify any viable solution which would also meet local needs.

“We know it is the view of many local residents that the only possible option to bring the site back into use is to demolish the buildings, which have had a detrimental impact on the area and the lives of local residents for many years now, and we must explore this option seriously.”

A public consultation on the proposals will run from Wednesday, January 15, to Wednesday, January 29.

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Drop-in events with council officers and local county councillors will be held at Easington Colliery Welfare Hall on Thursday, January 16, from 5pm to 8pm and Tuesday, January 21, from 1pm to 4pm.

Information boards will also be displayed in Easington Colliery Library.

Residents can also provide their feedback via the following:

: Completing a questionnaire at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation

: Email [email protected]

: Write to FREEPOST SPATIAL POLICY

Related topics:ResidentsDurham County Council