Derelict building acts as magnet for anti-social gangs

Albion House, in the centre of Willington, is a hot-spot for bored teenagers and Durham County Council is looking to pull it down and redevelop the site.

County councillor for Willington, Brian Myers, said: "There have been half a dozen reports in the past week about kids playing in the building.

"I've been pushing for some time for its demolition. The building is deteriorating by the day and children are getting in as fast as we are boarding it up."

Last week, fire engines were called to the site after reports that a blaze had been started outside.

Residents fear that next time the fire could be more serious.

A Lower Willington resident, who didn't wish to be named, said that groups of teenagers gather by the building at weekends and get inside by tearing down council boards covering the windows.

He said: "It seems that no-one takes any notice about what is going on in there.

"It isn't just what they are getting up to but I doubt it is safe either."

Albion House, a former residential home, was closed 12 months ago under plans by Durham County Council to modernise elderly people's care provision. It was one of 16 homes in County Durham that were earmarked for closure and to be replaced by extra-care centres.

In 12 months, the county council has not found a buyer for the site and is now looking into redevelopment.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are considering demolition and what we would hope following demolition would be comprehensive redevelopment of the site."

Community police inspector George Ledger said that the number of reports of anti-social behaviour had reduced over the past few months, but that criminal damage to the building was still an issue.

He said: "When the children break in it is criminal damage, which is an offence.

"The majority of children are just hanging around and are not committing any offences.

"However, any cases of anti-social behaviour is dealt with harshly by the police."