East Dunbartonshire Council has announced work is set to begin on the demolition of its former headquarters.

A contractor has been appointed to begin preparatory work on the Tom Johnston House in Kirkintilloch next week.

The council decided at a meeting on 25 June to proceed with the former HQ's demolition following completion of the tender process.

The site will be secured using hoarding and fencing, with the Council's Roads Department co-ordinating with the contractor on any temporary closures of the footway in front of Tom Johnston House.

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It is estimated the main demolition period will last approximately 15 weeks, beginning in early September.

Afterwards the cleared site will be handed back to the council.

In April, councillors granted planning permission in principle - subject to legal agreement - to proposals for a mixed-use development.

Plans for the former Tom Johnston House site and neighbouring Whitegates Business Park include a food store, petrol filling station, restaurant and associated parking, access and landscaping.

Some existing industrial units and a day nursery would also be retained within Whitegates.

Council Leader Rhondda Geekie said: "I am pleased that work is continuing towards bringing the site of the Council's former headquarters into use again and at the same time enabling development of the neighbouring land.

"The demolition of the building could help to unlock the site, which - together with Whitegates - represents a major development opportunity for East Dunbartonshire."

(LM)