An angry parish councillor has hit out at vandals who keep targeting a derelict school.

Priory Meadows School, in Rochford Road, St Osyth, has been the target of vandals since its closure in 1993.

The school was partly residential for children with special needs and has old staff homes, as well as school buildings and a playing field.

Chairman of St Osyth Parish Council, Michael Talbot, said youths had been using the area as a meeting place where drugs were often taken.

He said: "I think it is pretty terrible really. The damage has involved doors being broken off their hinges, smashed windows and walls being damaged."

The latest attack happened when police received reports of youngsters breaking into the school last week.

Plans for the land has been divided into three groups.

The area near to Johnson Road has been allocated for the St Osyth Almhouses, a charity which provides housing for the needy.

The central part, which is owned by Essex County Council, has been set aside for private housing and the grass area will be made into a recreational ground, including a play area for children.

Mr Talbot said he hoped the work would be completed in the forthcoming months.

He added the delay had been caused because some asbestos had been found in one of the buildings.

He said: "It is a major new development for people in the village and from the parish council's point of view, we would hope to see it completed as soon as possible."

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