A MAJOR blaze has broken out at a former primary school building in North Lanarkshire.
The emergency services were called to the derelict school building on Coltswood Road, Coatbridge, at around 5.20pm on Tuesday evening following reports of a fire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have sent six fire appliances and two high reach vehicles to the scene.
They have urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke in the area.
Police have also closed West George Street at Stewart Street, while Coltswood Road has also been closed at Inveresk Place.
Drivers have been asked by police to use alternative routes while fire crews battle the blaze.
The building dates from 1902 and was used as a primary school for more than a century until it closed in 2012.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have six fire appliances and two high reach vehicles in attendance at a fire affecting a derelict school building on Coltswood Road, Coatbridge.
“As crews work to make the area safe, local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke in the area.”
