Concern raised as diggers move in to old Academy site

DIGGERS moved in to the old Strabane Academy site on the Liskey Road on Wednesday creating fear that the historic Milltown House and gate lodge would be demolished. 

When contacted about the concerns a spokesperson for Education Authority (EA), which owns the site, explained, “The EA has commenced the demolition of the former school buildings and associated modular accomodation at its site on the Liskey Road. For the time being, the orginal house and gate lodge are being retained.”

Local SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan also reassured local residents after some contacted him about the demolition crews at the site.

He said, “For several months, I have been engaging with the Minister and Education Authority about the Milltown House and Gatehouse. Crews are just clearing the land of prefabs and extensions to the school, which was built in the 1950s and 1960s.

“Both Minister Weir and the Education Authority have promised me that the Milltown House and gatehouse will be preserved,” he continued.

“My SDLP collegues councillors Jason Barr and Steven Edwards have submitted a motion into the council meeting later in the month calling on council to support the History Society in getting a business case and bid together to have a visitor centre on the site.

“I want to assure local residents that this action was expected and that it doesn’t effect the community plans for the site.