By Urgent calls to demolish former Grimsby Art College over safety fears
Locals are calling on the council to demolish the former Grimsby Art College after fears that the building may no longer be stable.
Eleanor Street remains closed today, two days after the fire as the building gets assessed.
North East Lincolnshire Council have issued an update on the closure, as they revealed that the blaze has caused further damage to the structure and officials want to ensure there is no risk of parts of the building falling.
Specialist engineers will determine this and until they have made a full assessment, the road between Hainton Square and Heneage Road will remain completely closed, along with the northern footpath – directly outside the building.
The footpath on the other side of the road will remain open to allow access to the properties opposite the art college. Meanwhile, diversion signs will be set up to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible around the area.
A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: “As we work with the emergency services teams at the scene, we are in no doubt of the immediate priority to ensure the safety of residents, passers-by, and motorists. It is with this in mind that the immediate road and pathway must remain shut until a thorough risk assessment has taken place.”
Many locals have taken to social media to discuss what should happen to the abandoned building as fears grow that someone could become injured or worse.
One person said: “Should have left it to burn down then they have no choice but to get rid of it, it’s been a danger for years and no one ever had plans to make something of it. Shame could be made into something for the homeless.”
Another said: “Why can’t they knock it down it costs the council £250.000 per year when it could have something else built on the land.”
Even more locals called the building an eyesore, adding that it contributes nothing to the town.
What do you think should happen to the building? Let us know in the comments!
