Fire-damaged ‘monstrosity’ a risk to children
DERELICT GYM IS NOT SAFE, SAY NURSERY STAFF AND PARENTS
A DERELICT gym next door to a Tyneside nursery is posing a risk to young children, staff and parents have warned.
The former Springs Sanctuary Spa in Low Fell, Gateshead, went up in flames for the second time in a week on Sunday, just metres from the Banana Moon Day Nursery.
A major Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service operation was launched when the empty building off Joicey Road went up in flames.
Nearby residents were instructed to keep their windows closed as the suspected arson attack generated thick clouds of black smoke.
The once plush gym has been empty for years and has become a target for anti-social behaviour, notably in June last year when a similarly major blaze broke out.
Staff at the nursery, which shares an access with the problem building, are in a constant state of worry about the situation.
Manager Rachael Brown, 31, of Seaham, said: “This has been going on for a long time and in the year I’ve been here we’ve had three big fires.
“After there’s a bad fire we are told to keep the children inside all day in case there are any particles in the air – we’ve been assured there’s no asbestos present but it’s still very worrying.
“It looks absolutely terrible and it’s bad for our business.”
Staff are desperate for the council or responsible developer to intervene and do more to secure the building or demolish it to prevent fires being started.
The land has been earmarked for an apartment development, and the firm which owns the land, Adamson Holding Company, says it is committed to bringing forward the demolition of the old building.
“Something needs to be done as soon as possible. We can’t run the risk of shutting down for a day because of another fire”, nursery manager Rachael added.
“Someone needs to step in because disruption for us is bad for parents who rely on this place and it’s not good for the kids.”
Paulina Klym-Stadnyk, 28, of Low Fell, sends her children Ryan, three, and Emily, one, to the nursery and says parents are unhappy about the situation. She said: “It’s just an absolute monstrosity and it’s ruining a lovely area. We just want someone to step in and do something about it because we’re worried about the kids being so close to it.
“Having a situation where the children can’t play outside is terrible.”
Gateshead council cabinet member Anneliese Hutchinson said: “The owners of the building have made attempts to keep the building boarded and secure, but it can be very difficult to prevent those who want to cause malicious damage from doing so.
“A building surveyor is on site today and has assessed the building with regard to public safety.
“The building itself remains structurally sound and currently poses no risk to public safety.
“Planning permission was granted in November 2017 to demolish the gym buildings and to construct a block of 22 flats.
“It is anticipated that work will commence on this in the coming weeks.”
We want someone to step in and do something ... we’re worried about the kids being so close to it Paulina Klym-Stadnyk