Calls to demolish 'eyesore' former care home
BBCResidents are calling for a former care home to be knocked down after the building was destroyed in a fire.
Those living near the site in Shiremoor, North Tyneside, fear the remains of the Stanton Lodge Care Home are dangerous following the blaze a year ago.
Park Avenue resident Angela Jones, 58, described it as an "eyesore" and said there was "nothing to stop kids going in and hurting themselves".
North Tyneside Council said it did not own the premises but had provided external security around the site to keep people safe.
On 18 June last year, a fire at the Milfield Avenue building became so bad nearby homes were evacuated.
Six people aged between 13 and 21 were arrested but Northumbria Police said they would face no further action and its enquiries were ongoing.
'Wasted opportunity'
A year on from the fire, those living nearby said they wanted the ruined property to be removed.
Christine Wharrier, 78, who was one of those evacuated, said she believed the situation had "gone on too long".
"It has been over a year since it happened. It is unsightly and it spoils the whole area," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"Something needs to be done and kids are going in now and you can hear them smashing the windows."
Lynette Falke, 45, said: "It is such a prime location, I don't understand why it has not been snapped up for development.
"It's right next to the Metro, right next to the coast - it's a wasted opportunity."
Labour-led North Tyneside Council's director of housing and property services, Peter Mennell, said he understood the concerns.
"We have provided external security to monitor the site and keep residents safe," he said.
"We do not own the site, however, work is taking place to maintain its boundary while we explore suitable option for the acquisition and redevelopment of the site."