THE future of a community is resting on the demolition of a prominent listed building, an MP says.

John Cummings has called for a swift decision on the future of the former Easington Colliery Primary School, in County Durham, which he believes is pivotal to the regeneration of the former mining village.

The large premises, which dominate the village's main Seaside Lane, is owned by property developer Westnew Management, which wants to demolish the rapidly deteriorating school and build a housing complex.

Easington District Council has voted unanimously for its demolition, but English Heritage has strongly opposed knocking down the village's only listed building, and its future is now in the hands of the Government Office NorthEast (GONE).

Concern is growing in the village, and residents are urging that something should be done about the boarded-up premises. Yesterday Easington MP Mr Cummings spoke in favour of its demolition.

He said: "I cannot understand why it was ever listed in the first place. The old school is in a prominent position in the village, and in my view the site's redevelopment is pivotal to the future success of the community."

Westnew Management director Tony Mann said the delay over a decision was holding up the regeneration of the area.

He said: "No consideration is being given to the local residents, who say the buildings are blighting their lives, or to Easington Council, which has voted overwhelmingly for its demolition."

He said no one in the area wanted the building to remain and that although it was listed, said there were other similar buildings in the area.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: "This imposing red-brick Grade II listed former school makes an important contribution to the village and is of national architectural and historical significance.

"Anyone who wishes to demolish a listed building has to make a full case for it.

"Our advice to the local authority was that the case had yet to be made and we still believe a sustainable future can be found for it."

She said English Heritage had made its views known to GONE, which said a decision on the application would be announced soon.

It will either decide to approve demolition or order a public inquiry to determine the matter.