Vandalised schools to be demolished

Published on Wednesday 4 November 2009 08:54

TWO empty schools plagued by vandalism and arson attacks are set to be demolished as a matter of "urgent public safety".

Both Lismore Primary in Bingham and Dumbryden Primary in Wester Hailes are costing the council tens of thousands of pounds per year in security costs and rates by lying empty.

Previously there have been calls for security to be stepped up at the disused buildings, but the council has now decided that demolition is the most cost-effective solution.

The council has been unable to sell off the sites because of the economic downturn. The Lismore site is expected to fetch around 1.5 million when it is eventually sold.

Securing the empty schools in the meantime costs at least 26,000 per year, but could cost up to 100,000 if around-the-clock security was needed.

City education leader Marilyne MacLaren said: "It would not be the best use of precious resources to secure an empty building that has been repeatedly vandalised."

The Evening News recently revealed that around 250,000 would be spent in just one year protecting three empty schools which council bosses shut in the last round of school closures.

150,000 was spent initially on boarding up and securing Lismore, Westburn and Bonnington primaries, while a further 108,000 has to be spent on security every year that the schools lie empty.

In a new report, Dave Anderson, director of city development, and education director Gillian Tee say demolishing the buildings will save money and make the sites more attractive to buyers.

The report states: "Both children and families and city development departments continue to incur costs relating to these properties which, by their nature, also carry significant security, health and safety and insurance risks."

The demolition of Dumbryden is expected to cost 90,000, while Lismore will cost 200,000.

Demolishing Lismore means that the building can no longer be used as a decant school for children at St John's Primary in Portobello when funding finally becomes available to refurbish it.

Councillor MacLaren added: "We remain committed to developing (St John's] and we are exploring all options for future funding."