DEVELOPERS have been ordered to fully secure a derelict Kidderminster school, which has become a target for vandalism and arson attacks, by the end of next week or face potential fines of up to £20,000.

Wyre Forest District Council has served developers, Kidderminster Homes, of Horsham, Sussex, with a Community Protection Notice demanding Sion Hill School is fully secured by Friday, August 26.

Last week, the Shuttle reported how Councillors Steve Walker and Sarah Rook were calling for the school to be demolished and West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service issued a joint statement warning people to stay away from derelict buildings.

The district council has been monitoring nuisance suffered by residents and is using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 to force the developers to take action.

A Community Protection Warning was issued to the company on July 6, requiring windows, doors and other points of access to be boarded up and perimeter fences and panels erected before July 22.

Officers visited the site on August 8, and discovered the company was in breach of the warning notice and now they have serviced them with a Community Protection Notice.

If they fail to carry out the work by August 26, they could face prosecution and if convicted, be fined up to a maximum of £20,000.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member for operational services and deputy leader of the district council, said: "The company's failure to secure the school is having a detrimental impact on the quality of life of residents living nearby.

"We always try to work with developers but if they fail to take the necessary action then we will use the powers we have to force them to act responsibly in the interest of our local communities.

"The lack of action in this instance has not only created problems for residents, it has also put unnecessary strain on local emergency services, with several incidents of arson.

"If the work we have demanded is not completed, we have the right to carry it out ourselves and charge the company.

"I hope the building is secured by the deadline we have given."

Last year, the district council's planning committee granted delegated approval to planning officers for Kidderminster Homes 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 spaces costs. But so far no work has started 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”.

He 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.”