Fire-ravaged former cinema to be demolished

Fire crews managed to put out the blaze after being called to the scene in Lochgelly last Friday

A former cinema in Fife which was severely damaged by fire will be demolished in the interests of public safety.

Fife Council said specialists had advised that the Lochgelly building was in a dangerous state and complete demolition was the "safest solution".

Firefighters were called to a blaze in the derelict Bank Street building last Friday afternoon.

Two boys aged 13 and 14 have been charged in connection with the fire and reported to the relevant youth justice authorities.

Tenants from four council flats next to the building have been evacuated and will be re-housed while the demolition is being carried out.

As the building is unstable, an exclusion zone around the site will be extended to include the footpath on Bank Street at the front of the building.

The shops in the area will also be closed until the demolition is complete.

Garry Nicol, the council's service manager for building standards and public safety, said it was unfortunate they could not save any of the building but it was not viable.

He added: "Demolition will start as soon as possible as this is a busy town centre location and a complex site.

"The work has been planned in three phases but the full extent of the damage and work required will only become clear as the work progresses.

"This means that the scope of the work may change and there is a high level of uncertainty about timescales."

He added: "Rest assured we will do all we can to carry out this work as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.

"The safety of the public has to be our highest priority and we thank everyone affected for their patience while we make sure this building comes down as safely as possible."

It is understood that the council will carry out the work and reclaim all relevant costs from the building owner.