Demolition starts at derelict former school

A derelict building is being demolished after years of break-ins and arson attacks.

Work to knock down the former St John Fisher School in Chatham started on Monday after being a concern for residents since it closed in 2022.

Over the past four years, there have been nine fires at the site with smoke drifting into residents' homes, even though developers had permission to demolish it.

The building has been targeted by trespassers, with break-ins and other anti-social behaviour reported, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Dhanlaxni Desi, who has lived opposite the school since the 1980s, said: "When it was an active school, it was lovely. After it closed, it went from good to bad, and then bad to worse.

"The fires have really scared all the residents around here, and there was nothing we could do."

In June, councillors called for immediate action to end the "unacceptable" situation and said the council had powers it could use to step in and demolish the building itself.

Medway councillor for Fort Pitt ward, Harinder Mahil, said: "We are glad to see action is finally being taken."

The Medway Community Safety Partnership, made up of the council, fire service and police, had also urged the owners to proceed with demolition.

An application to demolish the site and build 139 homes was submitted in March 2024 and approved in May 2025.

A demolition order was granted in February 2025, but the building remained standing.

Medway Council's portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, Alex Paterson, said: "This derelict building was unsafe, attracted anti-social behaviour and was an ongoing issue to both the public and emergency services.

"We welcome its demolition and hope new investment follows on quickly."

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