Local MP Mark Pawsey has met with the School Council at Northlands Primary to discuss their concerns over the disused former Snooker Hall building on Railway Terrace. In recent months there has been an alarming increase in reports of people congregating near the building resulting in broken bottles and rubbish being left in the area making it unsafe for pupils, parents and staff at the school on Pinders Lane.
The School Council are seeking the help of Rugby Borough Council to secure the site and prevent people accessing it illegally. The Council is made up of class representatives from each year group and in recent years have raised money for local, national and international charities and have taken part in projects including the planning of their new school library.
Speaking after meeting with the School Council, Mark said:
“I was delighted to meet with the members of the School Council at Northlands Primary and to learn more about the work they are doing to help improve the school and their local community. Given their young ages it was incredible to see first-hand how motivated they are and how much they care about their school and the community.”
Mark continued:
“The School Council explained their concerns regarding the former Snooker Hall building and how it has, regrettably, become a meeting place for people to drink alcohol and the effect this is having on their school. Most mornings staff at the school are having to clear away empty beer cans, bottles and other items of rubbish to make the journey to school, and the area around the school, safe for pupils and parents.”
Mark concluded:
“I have raised this problem with Rugby Borough Council, Warwickshire Police and Rugby First. Regular patrols will now take place near the school site and the Borough Council will be contacting the owner of building regarding its safety and future.”
Sam Carter, Deputy Head at Northlands Primary added:
“Our School Council asked to meet with Mr Pawsey to seek his support in tackling the problems around the former Snooker Hall site. In recent months there has been an increase in the people drinking alcohol, and leaving empty bottles and cans, in the small road beside the school at night. As a school we are keen to find out what is going to become of the disused snooker hall that backs onto Pinders Lane. The school community feel that the building is dangerous given its disrepair and its attraction for littering drinkers. The building has been set on fire in the past and this worried many of the young pupils.”