Former school's vandalism woes
REPEATED vandalism to a former school building has been slammed by both its owner and a concerned parent this week.
The former Woodlands School on Corsbie Road, Newton Stewart, has been subject to vandalism since it was destroyed by a fire in October 2006 and was fenced off from the public immediately afterwards.
But youngsters have been forcing their way into the site by destroying fencing and removing metal gates at the entrance.
Co-owner Billy Taylor told the Gazette that it was a constant problem: "Ninety-nine per cent of youngsters in the town are well-behaved but there's always some who let curiosity get the better of them and find a way in for a look.."
Metal gates kicked down this week were fixed by Wednesday morning but Billy feels it will only be a matter of time until it happens again.
He said: "It's been repaired now but tomorrow's another day. This has been a headache for us since the fire."
Wooden fencing along the pavement is still toppled over and the mother of a pupil at the Douglas Ewart High, accross the road, said she understood children could be mischievous but felt that the security measures at the site weren't enough.
She said: "Kids will always find a way into a derelict building to have a look but if all there is to stop them is a fence, the temptation is far too great. I'm concerned about the state of the building and someone being injured."
Newton Stewart-based Operational Sergeant Colin Shankly said police had been made aware of the situation: "It is clear that people have been going through the gaps, although the metal barriers on the driveway have been replaced and there are metal barriers all the way around the building itself.
"Police are aware of the security issues which we have addressed with the owner and we would urge people to stay out of the site because of the inherent dangers associated with derelict buildings.
"We would also like to re-assure the public that we are aware of the situation and will monitor it during our patrols."
He added that a regular patrol was taking place to address anti-social behaviour, encompassing abuse of the building and access to the land.
Talks are continuing about the future of the building and Billy confirmed it is on the cusp of being sold off and turned into housing, adding: "I'll be a very happy man when this is finalised and we no longer have to worry about keeping it safe."
l Four youngsters aged 16 years and under were charged with starting the fire shortly after the police investigation.
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Weather for Newton Stewart
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
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