A DERELICT primary school has been reduced to a pile of rubble after it was demolished.

Frustrated neighbours have been calling for the former Oldhams Primary School to be bulldozed since it became a target for arsonists and vandals.

The demolition has now been completed — but plans for the Selkirk Road site still remain unclear.

A Bo l t o n C o u n c i l spokesman said: “The former Oldham’s Primary School has been demolished to make the area safe. As yet, there are no confirmed plans for the future use of the site.”

Arsonists last struck at the site at the beginning of March when two thirds of the interior was burned and damaged beyond repair — the fourth blaze in the last three months. Cllr Hilary Fairclough, who has been pushing for the demolition for months, said residents will welcome it but plans for the site must be put forward as soon as possible.

She added: “I am really pleased the building is down I think residents will feel a lot safer now. Residents need to know what the authority is thinking of doing with the site because all sorts or rumours circulate and this causes unease for residents.

“Even if the authority is unsure at the moment perhaps they could share with residents the possibilities and give them the chance to have their say on what they would like to see there.”

It is thought land could be sold. The building has abeen used a for Starting Point, a “school” for new young international arrivals but it has been empty and boarded up for nearly a year.

The nearby children’s play centre in nearby Barlow Park and wheelie bins across Astley Bridge are other targets for arsonists