The demolition of the former Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh will start within the next two weeks.

The news was welcomed by chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee Councillor Vivien Dance, who said that progressing the demolition had for some time been one of the most pressing local issues.

The contract for the work has been awarded to specialist demolition contractor Reigart Contracts Ltd, which has its head office in Coatbridge.

The appointment of Reigart comes following the conclusion of a survey on bats and birds nesting within the disused building.

The survey found there were approximately 40 bats and one nest of starlings on the site. Reigart has now modified its plans to ensure compliance with the governing legislation for dealing with protected species.

The revised plan involves carrying out the demolition in phases. This will ensure that the areas in which the bats are present will not be addressed until after the end of September, allowing time for the necessary license to be granted by the Scottish Government.

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Phase One of the demolition work is now scheduled to start on Monday, June 13 and will run for eight weeks until Friday, August 5.

This phase will include the demolition of all buildings with the exception of those which run parallel to the new sports pitches, as these are either directly affected by the presence of bats or starlings or sit within the exclusion zone which has to be maintained.

The conclusion of Phase One will be followed by an eight week break, during which time the license will be issued by the Scottish Government for completion of the work. This license will dictate the exact arrangements which will have to be followed for the safe removal of the bats.

The ecologist advising Argyll and Bute Council has stressed that work will not be permitted to start on Phase Two of demolition and site clearance until the end of September.

Therefore, the work has been programmed to start on Monday, October 3 and will run until Friday, November 25.

Councillor Dance said she was delighted that the contract had been signed and that the start of the demolition was now imminent.

“This has been a long process, and I’m sure everyone in Helensburgh and the surrounding area will share my delight that we are now about to see the demolition work get underway,” she added.

“The building has been empty for some three years since the pupils transferred to the new school. During that time residents have understandably been concerned about its future, because the former school occupies a very significant site in the town.

“I am sure everyone will be very pleased to hear that such a major step forward has now been achieved. Along with everyone else in the area, I very much look forward to seeing the progress made in demolishing the building over the next few months.”

(GK/KMcA)