| The assembly hall of Douglas Primary was badly damaged earlier this month, prompting the city council to order the building to come down in the interests of public safety.
Demolition work got under way on Monday, but it proved to be a rude awakening for some nearby residents.
James McDonald, of Balmoral Terrace, said, “I understand the need for the former Douglas primary school to be demolished after it was set ablaze and deemed unsafe.
“However, I do feel Dundee City Council has been inconsiderate in allowing the work to start during the Dundee trades fortnight.
“The workmen start around 7.30am and some of us can’t afford to go on holiday so therefore have to stay at home, so having a long lie in is a luxury.
“It looks as if I will be going back to work even more exhausted than when I came off and probably act like a bear with a sore head towards my workmates, who will be advising me I need a holiday.”
Council leader Kevin Keenan said last week it had been decided the former school should be razed as soon as possible. Tayside Fire and Rescue said they were worried about lives being put at risk if there were further fires.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.
Douglas Primary was empty because its pupils and those of Powrie Primary had moved to the new Claypotts Castle Primary, which is part of the city’s £90 million school building programme.
East End Councillor George Regan said, “As a result of the recent fire at Douglas Primary School, we are left with a building in a dangerous, burned-out state which is attracting vandals.
“It is essential we get the situation remedied as soon as possible for the safety of the community.” |
