Owners of a derelict Elgin building that collapsed in the midst of a storm last Christmas forcing nearby families from their homes say they are now ready to level the site.
A pre-Christmas storm brought down part of the building that was the Fleming’s Sawmill, throwing debris onto Linkwood Road and forcing three families to move for safety reasons.
It was not until the afternoon of Christmas Day before the site was declared safe enough for the families to return home – but in the months since the partially collapsed building has remained untouched.
The site is owned by Robertson Homes for whom a spokesman said they are now almost at a stage when the entire building can be demolished. He said: “The decision has been taken to clear the site and we are currently preparing an application for demolition that will be submitted to the council in the near future.
“Once we have the necessary permissions a contractor will go ahead with the work.”
The spokesman added that discussions on the future use of the site are taking place and that local residents will be updated.
Located opposite the Elgin Auction Mart, the former sawmill has lain derelict for a number of years. Plans were put in place five years ago for a £20million development but that was subsequently thrown out by planners – the site was purchased by Robertson Homes when the original developers went into administration.
Several residents have expressed safety concerns over what remains of the building saying that it could be further damaged if hit by further storms.