AS demolition day approaches, campaigners are calling for more time to save an Edwardian school building that starred in a popular television drama.

Past pupils and concerned residents protested outside Tudhoe Grange School in Spennymoor today (Monday, October 13) in a last ditch attempt to save the condemned red brick building.

The dual site school closed in July 2012 and the upper school, in St Charles Road, was demolished last month.

Durham County Council plans to pull down the older lower school building, in Durham Road, on Monday, October 20, but almost 1,500 people have signed a petition urging the authority to rethink its decision.

The council intends to market both sites for sale but the objectors say there is no need for new housing and believe residents should have been consulted.

On Wednesday (October 15), at 7.30pm, the protestors will hold a public meeting at the Pennny Gill pub, with many local councillors invited to attend.

Former pupil, Trevor Storey, said: “All we are asking for is a bit more time to decide the best future for this building.

“These plans were rushed through with no regard for what the people of Spennymoor want.”

Resident Claire Coverdale added: “This building is beautiful and full of character. There will be no nice buildings left in Spennnymoor at this rate.”

Tudhoe Grange lower school opened in 1912 and enjoyed small screen fame when it was used as a filming location for the BBC drama George Gently.

Former pupil, Laura Humphreys, 18, said: “The school has stood here for 100 years and survived two world wars. It is awful to think of it no longer being here.”

Stuart Timmiss, the council’s head of planning and assets, said public consultation was not required, as planning permission was not needed for the demolition.

However, he said consultation letters had been sent to residents in the Durham Road area in September 2012 outlining that the land would be disposed of in future.

Further letters were sent out more recently and public notices were placed in the press about the demolition.

“We also met with a large number of residents regarding this issue and we are committed to developing a brief before any potential sale is concluded,” he said.

“We will continue to work closely with residents and keep them informed.

“In order to reduce ongoing costs, and eliminate the risk of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, we feel it is the right time to demolish the site.”