A ‘protected’ former school is finally being demolished – despite efforts by a Mossend charity and former pupils to save it.

The old New Stevenston Primary School building dates back to Victorian times, but closed nine years ago when a new school opened in Coronation Road.

Two years ago North Lanarkshire Council announced it intended to demolish the listed building. The education authority said then it had spent nearly £120,000 securing and repairing the old school after attacks by thieves and vandals.

Its listed status meant permission had to be given from Historic Scotland before demolition and that has been secured.

A council spokesman said a demolition squad is now at the site and the job should be done by the end of next month.

It’s thought the cleared site could be earmarked for council housing as is the case at the former Belvidere Primary School site in Bellshill.

Yooz, a recycling project in Mossend, said it had offered to take the school and restore it as a workshop, creating jobs and saving the council demolition costs.It also promised community facilities such as meeting rooms and a cafe.

Yooz said it had the materials to refurbish the building and reckoned the roof could be repaired for as little as £10,000.

The council said the building was in such a state demolition was the only option.