BULLDOZERS will move in to demolish a school building which has become magnet for arsonists.

Bolton Council has submitted plans to knock down the former Oldhams Primary School in Selkirk Road, Astley Bridge, which has become a target for vandals.

Councillors and neighbours have been campaigning for the disused school to be demolished after it was set on fire twice in three months.

A fire broke out in the building in early November after a suspected arson attack just weeks after nearby Barlow Park Youth Centre was also set alight.

Oldhams Primary was set on fire again early this month.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are demolishing it to prevent the building being targeted by further vandalism. Following the first fire in November, a structural engineer assessed the building, which recommended demolition to part of the building and there has since been a further fire which has caused additional damage.”

Demolition work should get under way soon after the proposals have been put before the planning committee.

The building has been unoccupied for about six months after Starting Point, a “school” for new young international arrivals moved out.

The land has not been sold and there are no plans for the site following the demolition of the building.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said neighbours were worried the building, which is in the middle of a housing estate, would become a magnet for vandals.

She added: “I am delighted the building will be flattened.

There are a number of issues with the building, and when it comes down it will eliminate fires in the area and anti-social behaviour which will make local people feel happier and safer.”