Lilley & Stone trustees have their say on the prize asset, a former school that is being trashed and the necessity to do something about it
The Lilley & Stone trustees have had their say on the prize asset that is being trashed and the necessity to do something about it.
Yesterday, the Advertiser was invited to tour the former Newark school where youths run riot and thieves risk catastrophe by chopping through live electricity and gas pipes.
Names of those who have broken in are scrawled on a blackboard in the science lab.
Porcelain toilets and sinks have been smashed, the door to reception ripped from its hinges, the dance studio mirror has been broken into a thousand pieces.
Text books and music sheets lay strewn everywhere.
Virtually every window is broken. Asbestos has been revealed. There are gaping holes in plaster. Wires hang down. Inspection hatches have been lifted posing a risk to life and limb.
There is evidence of fires being set.
Yet former pupils’ artwork remains on the walls. Test tubes are out on lab benches and everywhere there is evidence of children’s past achievements in photographs or certificates.
The Lilley & Stone site has become derelict since its last educational occupancy in 2016 and has recently been the subject of anti-social behaviour that has included near-daily break-ins as well as incursions by Travellers.
The board of trustees of the charity that owns the building has brought in specialist regeneration developers.
In this follow-up story, the Lilley & Stone trustees make the case for re-development to go ahead.
Last night, campaigners had their say on what they want to happen.
A spokesperson for the applicant said: “These pictures provide an insight into the extent of the vandalism that has taken place at the former Lilley & Stone School.
“Residents will be well aware of the history of anti-social activity on the site. Unfortunately the situation is worsening.
“The site was already in a state of disrepair before Christmas and since then even more extensive damage has taken place.
“This included intruders on the site disturbing a number of walls and ceilings that housed asbestos-containing materials.
“This is obviously extremely dangerous and presents a major health risk to anyone who enters the site.
“This entire situation illustrates the urgent need to renovate the site. The scheme we are proposing is a viable means of doing just that.
“Any delays caused to this process will only serve to further increase the risk of vandalism and anti-social behaviour on the site.
“Funding generated from this scheme will be re-invested back into education within Newark and Balderton, so any additional costs incurred as a result of anti-social behaviour will naturally have a direct impact on that funding.
“We are very much appreciative of all of the feedback we have received from the local community on this project and thank them for drawing our attention to a number of issues.
“We will continue to work with the community as we progress towards submission to ensure the benefits this site delivers are maximised.”
