A DISUSED children's home could be demolished if councillors decide the building is no longer needed.

Bonnyrigg Children's Home, in Hartlepool, has been empty since December 1998, although plans to close it were first suggested in 1990.

A change in the way children were cared for and a need to save money led to the closure, which was opposed by unions concerned about standards of childcare.

Falling numbers of children in placement led to the home for boys aged 11 years and over being mothballing.

A spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council said problems with the group of boys placed there also influenced the decision.

Staff were moved to other children's homes, or took on roles in the young person's service.

Council officials hope to sell or demolish the building, which they claim cannot be reused as it does not meet modern standards.

There are fears that it will attract vandals if left empty.

The spokesman said: "Access to the building is restricted for anyone with a disability, particularly if they are in a wheelchair. There are no ramps, parking is 50 metres away, and there would be no mean of getting to the first floor.

"Parking is also a problem as the children's home is at the end of a narrow cul-de-sac. Using the building for offices, causing increased traffic, would be problematic."

Essential repairs costing £7,800 are needed to the building, with another £14,200 of less important repairs identified by a survey.

The council's social services board will decide on Monday whether or not to agree to let the building go.