COUNCILLORS are calling for a derelict Kidderminster school to be demolished after it has become a target for vandalism and arson attacks in recent months.

Wyre Forest District Councillor Steven Walker and Kidderminster Town Councillor Sarah Rook are demanding for the demolition of the former Sion Hill School building – which closed its doors in 2007.

Last year, the district council’s planning committee granted delegated approval to planning officers for Kidderminster Homes Ltd to demolish the school and build 46 properties on the site. The approval was subject to a 106 Agreement – which ensured an element of affordable housing and contributions made by the applicants for highways and public open space costs.

But so far no work has started at the site and the derelict building has attracted vandalism and arson attacks.

Planning agent, Richard Brown, said there had been delays in signing the agreement, but the plans were still “going ahead”.

Cllr Walker said: “We appreciate the schools falls into the Wolverley boundary, but this is not only a blight to the Sion Hill area, it has become a genuine safety risk to the neighbouring community.

“The former school has attracted anti-social behaviour and the fire service has had to attend a number of fires in recent months and the police are called out to the site on a regular basis.

“It has also become a playground for older children, which exposes them to the dangers of the building – we cannot expose our children to these risks.”

Cllr Rook added: “We all know how overstretched our police and fire service is.

“We are calling on the district council to issue an enforcement notice against the owners of this dangerous building to either patrol the building on a 24-hour basis or to demolish it immediately.”

West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service have also issued a safety warning following reports of trespassers and fires inside derelict premises, including the school.

Between July 24 and August 3, they received numerous reports of fires being lit inside the school, and the recently vacant Glades Leisure Centre.

Inspector Gareth Lougher said: “The structural safety of these building cannot be guaranteed and those who are seemingly intent on gaining access to these sites are placing their lives at risk by doing so.

“I want to be clear that we will prosecute anyone who commits any criminal offence in relation to the buildings and have enquiries ongoing to identify those who have entered the building.”

Robert Allen, Kidderminster fire station commander, added: “Reducing arson is always high on our priority list and we regularly work closely with police, schools and the district council to help reduce the number of fires being started deliberately.

“Arson is an extremely serious crime which can have very tragic consequences.”

Planning agent, Richard Brown, said: “There has been a slight delay with the signing of the 106 agreement for the Sion Hill Middle School site.

“That is in the process of resolving itself and we are aware of vandalism aspects.

“We are hopeful the agreement will be completed in the next month or so. Everything is still going ahead.”