AN abandoned primary school is being targeted by youngsters as a popular hangout spot.

Teenagers are breaking into the Easington Colliery Junior School by jumping over metal gates secured by padlocks and chains.

Residents raised concerns over a group of youths repeatedly loitering in the premises. The group is known to wait until it gets dark to enter the building.

Easington councillor, Doctor David Boyes said: “The building has been empty for such a long time, people have been breaking in for decades.

“Steel shutters have been put on the windows of the school to try to stop them from getting in.

“We once had a report from a resident of someone hanging out of the first-floor window that looked rather intoxicated.

“The owner of the building has a team of people who go in and secure it, but shutters get smashed and boards get vandalised.

“It’s an unfortunate situation because until the building gets pulled down the regeneration of Easington Colliery cannot start.”

The school opened in 1915 and housed 1,700 pupils, but was abandoned in 1997 and has been empty ever since.

In the past, urban photographers had been using the site as a subject for their photo shoots, gaining entry without permission.

Charity, English Heritage have been campaigning to keep the building from being demolished despite the dangers to intruders and backlash from residents, who view the building as an eyesore.

Inspector Ian Blakemore, from Seaham and Easington Neighbourhood Police Team, said anyone with concerns about antisocial behaviour should ring 101 or call in to Easington Police Office to speak to one of the team directly.