A derelict school, which has been a target for arsonists and vandals for months, has been reduced to rubble this week.

Eastglade School in Top Valley closed in August 2007.  A spate of incidents in March meant the building and site  had suffered 11 fires since its closure, with the estimated cost to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) escalating to over £45,000.

Now, after months of partnership work between Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Nottinghamshire Police, the building has been demolished, making it safer for the local community and more attractive to developers.

Fire crews were put at increased risk when attending incidents at the school, as initial fire damage released asbestos, making working conditions for firefighters incredibly dangerous.

Councillor David Mellen, Nottingham City Council's Portfolio holder for Children's Services, said:  "After a spate of incidents caused problems for local residents and the authories in the spring, and made it apparent that the site was the target of anti-social behaviour, demolition work was started  quickly .

"Now the work has been completed we are looking at the options for the development of the site.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Manager, Craig Dooley works on the Arson Task Force for NFRS said: “The presence of asbestos meant that three appliances had to attend each incident at Eastglade School, and needed to be supported by an Incident Command Officer and two Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Officer, making even the smaller incidents costly in both time and resources.

“The quick action of NFRS, the City Council and the police in getting this building demolished has meant that the risk to our crews and the local community has been greatly reduced. We’re now looking at other empty buildings throughout the county, where similar partnership work would help to make the areas safer.”

"Demolition work was started on the site quickly after a spate of incidents caused problems for local residents and the authorities in the spring.  Now the work has been completed we are looking at the options for the development of the site.”