CAMPAIGNERS have urged councillors to support their call for the demolition of a former primary school in the heart of their community– despite a recommendation by planning chiefs that the historic building be preserved.

Up to 100 residents from Easington Colliery are expected to attend a planning committee meeting at County Call, when the fate of the buildings will be decided next Tuesday (September 8).

Heritage organisations have insisted the 1913 Grade II-listed building in Seaside Lane be preserved or redeveloped, but residents say it is is an eyesore that should go.

Bsinessman Tony Mann is seeking listed building consent to demolish the two tall girls’ and boy’s blocks along with ancillary buildings, sheds and walls.

The application excludes the Master’s House which is occupied by Age Concern. No plans have been submitted for the development of the site.

Councillor Dr David Boyes said: “I am very much in favour of of the school coming down.

“It was listed in 1997 by English Heritage because apparently there is only one other building designed by the architect.

“Mr Mann has tried to market it extensively. The problem is it is a school that was built in 1913 and it is estimated it is going to cost at least £3m just to bring it back up to habitable status.

“This is just a very old building. It is a grand building, but it has had its uses.

“The buildings have been going to rack and ruin for the last 10 to 15 years and people have just had enough."

Cllr Dr Boyes said over 1,200 people had signed a petition calling for the buildings

He added: “The owner has said he is willing to speak to the community and gauge what they want to do with the site, before any decision is made on its future.

“My preference would be to put a health centre on there. We also have a shortage of two-bedroomed bungalows."

A planning bid submitted for the regeneration of the site was rejected after a public inquiry in 2007.

In a report to Tuesday’s a planning committee meeting says the demolition would “result in the irreplaceable nationally important building”.

It adds the owners have failed to provide adequate evidence including any future development proposals which would result in “the substantial public benefit required to justify the total loss of the designated heritage asset.

Should councillors agree to the demolition it would have to be referred to the Secretary of State.