THE derelict site of a former village school in Blaenavon is ruining the atmosphere of the area and creating “a danger”, according to councillors.

Forgeside School has not been used for more than 30 years and with windows smashed in and the roof partially collapsed, is now at the mercy of vandals - it has been said.

Closed in 1985 during the Gwent County Council era of leadership, the former school building has stood vacant ever since.

The site is currently in private ownership, but Torfaen councillor for the Blaenavon ward, Alan Jones, claims that no fresh developments for a potential future use have occurred in the past five years.

“This building is in private ownership with, from my understanding, plans to build houses and a shop on the site of the former school,” said cllr Jones.

“But nothing has happened to it in the last five years, and the way things are going, I can’t see anything happening in the next five.”

The former school is located on Forge Road, with village residents on Martin Terrace and Oxford Terrace in the village neighbouring the building.

Cllr Jones added: “It’s the residents in this part of the borough who I feel most sorry for. They feel very concerned about the state of the building, which is horrifically damaged.

“The building is a danger to children. It’s just a total mess and danger.”

The Mayor of Blaenavon, cllr Gareth Davies, shares his frustration and concern for the residents surrounding the former school.

“The people who live with their back windows looking straight onto the building – this is all they can see. It’s terrible for them,” he said.

“It’s in a difficult situation but I remain hopeful, that it’ll be resolved and put to use again. “

Cllr Jones added: “The council is doing as much as they can to put pressure on the owners to do something. We need to double check if the building is listed first as that comes with its own issues.

“The building is located in a nice part of the village. It will never be a school again but it could be put to use for something rather than sitting here idle and not used.”

A council spokesman said: "The Forgeside school site is in multiple private ownership and finding a solution is proving to be difficult.

"Ultimately a successful solution can only be achieved through the co-operation of all parties and the council is actively negotiating with the owners to achieve this."