School building to be demolished

The demolition of a former school in Cumbria is due to begin.

Ehenside Community School in Cleator Moor has stood empty since it was closed in 2008 to make way for the new West Lakes Academy.

Cumbria County Council decided in February to demolish the building on safety and cost grounds, and to prepare the site for redevelopment.

The work, which will cost about £160,000, will begin on 20 July, and is expected to last for 12 weeks.

The cost of keeping the vacant property secure and weather tight would have been about £100,000 a year.

Cumbria County Council said it was too early to draw up any firm plans for the site's future use.