THE owner of an empty Ardrossan building has expressed his disappointment after it became a target for vandals and loitering youths,.

But a local councillor has voiced his concerns that the same site is being neglected.

The former Seafield School on Eglington Road was vandalised last month.
And this month, there were reports of teenagers hanging about the roof.

On Monday, July 18 at around 5.45pm, police received a call from a concerned member of the public that there were youths within the old school grounds.

The report follows an incident on June 26 when the building, which is owned by McLaughlin and Sons, had 21 windows smashed.

Paul McLaughlin of McLaughlin and Sons told the Herald that he planned to step up security following the incidents.

He said: “We are disappointed ourselves that the building has been targeted recently.

“Windows have been secured and boarded up and we will look at overall security measures going forward.

“The property has been looked after but disappointingly was targeted recently.

“Since then the windows have been secured and weekly inspections are being carried out.

“Plans are to redevelop the property and develop residential units on the grounds which will be subject to planning consent.”

Commenting on the recent acts of vandalism, Councillor Tony Gurney, said: “It is unfortunate that, once again, a developer has failed to properly look after their property and become a bad neighbour for those around them.

“It is a clear dereliction of their duty of care to the town and I would urge the owners to put in place proper security measures before we lose yet another beautiful old building to vandalism and neglect.”

The councillor continued: “I can assure those living close to the school that I have already spoken to our planning department.

“I have asked them to ensure the owners of this building, and the others that dot the town and may suffer from the same problems of neglect, are held to their responsibilities to the full extent of the law.”