South Ayrshire Council has acquired the former cinema on Dalrymple Street in Girvan.

The deteriorating building has been empty for around 20 years.

A spokesperson from the council said: "Not only have we bought the dilapidated building, which sits in a prime location in the town, we have also purchased the 300 year ground lease, which was put in place in 1875.

"This allows us full control of the site, and is great news for the area, as proposals can now be developed to take down the unsightly and disused building with a view to regenerating the area."

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Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "I'm sure the purchase of the former cinema building will come as good news to the town's residents.

"Sadly, the building has been left to deteriorate for a number of years by the former owners. As well as being dangerous, the building was subject to infestation and damp, which became an ongoing expense to the Council and nearby residents.

"The health and wellbeing of the community is our priority, and we can now take the necessary steps to make sure the area is safe.

"The building is in a prime location in the town, so we will now look at possibilities for regenerating the area, with the aim of encouraging more people back into the heart of Girvan."