Disused school costing thousands to keep secure

A disused school is costing Birmingham City Council thousands to keep it safe from vandals.

The BBC has reported that Baverstock Academy in Druids Heath, which has been shut for two years, has incurred costs of £241,000.

The council wants to demolish the building but in the meantime, it is spending thousands to keep away vandals, which it cannot afford.

The government shut the school following poor Ofsted reports and allegations of financial irregularity.

The responsibility for the building is under the council despite it being an academy.

A spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that this is a budget pressure for this year as the budget for managing education surplus properties is £67k."We are currently awaiting approval from the secretary of state to dispose of the building and the surrounding land.

"If this is not forthcoming by the end of the current financial year, then we will continue to incur these costs."

The council says it is making an application to become exempt from the rates on the basis the building is uninhabitable.

"If agreed, this will have a positive impact on the £241,000," the spokeswoman said.