Members of the community have been reacting with sadness, and some with anger, as the demolition of Sunnydale Secondary School got underway this week.
“Buckler Demolition have made short work of the first buildings,” said Alan Ellwood, who sent us this drone image of the works underway.
“All solar panels were previously removed,” said Alan, “but were they re-cycled?” he asks, “And will the all-weather football pitch remain?
Susan Robinson, Durham County Council’s head of corporate property and land, said: “The removal of the solar panels from the former Sunnydale School is part of preparatory works ahead of the building’s demolition. The panels will be fully installed and operational in their new location on the roof of Sunnydale Leisure Centre.”
One comment on Facebook said: “I started there in 1966 when it 1st opened so sad to see it go.”
Another said: “It’ll just become a sad memory the same as Shildon shops unfortunately,” while another said, ”The school had such fantastic sports facilities, being attached to the leisure centre and with the running track beside it. It’s so sad to see it go.”
Another asked: “Why build family houses when there is not a comprehensive school?”
Meanwhile, when asked what the future held for the site, a spokesperson for Durham County Council said: “It’s too early to say what might happen post demolition at this point.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
