A community is relieved to see the start of demolition work on an eyesore building in Egremont.

Bulldozers and workers have arrived at the site of the Red Lion, in Main Street, to begin work to demolish the structure.

Copeland Council and Egremont Town Council has been pressing owner David Cox for action over the site for several years.

Mr Cox served Copeland Council with a notice of intended demolition order in May 2019.

Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie said: “It is a momentous day for Egremont that demolition workers and bulldozers have arrived on site at the former Red Lion building.

“I am committed to tackling dilapidated buildings in all our towns, and the start of this work in Egremont is another huge step forward. It will bring significant benefits for everyone who loves the town.

“Like the demolition of Mark House in Whitehaven, it is a painstaking process towards this improvement, but I will continue to work with owners and tenants to steer sites like the Red Lion from dilapidation into regeneration.”

Egremont Town Council are equally pleased that demolition work has started.

Sam Pollen, deputy chairman, said: “Egremont Town Council wholeheartedly welcomes this development.

“Our councillors have been working diligently for a number of years with the Mayor and Copeland Council’s officers towards a resolution to this long-standing issue.”

“We now see this as the catalyst for a period of investment and opportunity in our town.”

Emily McKendrey, who works opposite the site at Marion’s Pet Shop, said: “It will make it a lot easier for everyone and it will be much nicer to look at.”

The Whitehaven News made attempts to contact Mr Cox for a comment, but were unsuccessful.