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Leven Poundstretcher fire: Demolition to start within weeks

The aftermath of the Leven Poundstretcher fire
Leven Poundstretcher will be demolished. Image: Claire Warrender / DC Thomson.

Work to demolish the fire-hit Leven Poundstretcher store will begin within the next three weeks.

Fife Council has served an order ruling work to bring down the High Street shop must begin by December 13.

The building was devastated by the November 8 blaze and has been in a perilous state ever since.

A number of neighbouring shops were damaged during the Leven Poundstretcher fire. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

Damage to the neighbouring Stuart’s the baker and a solicitor’s office is still being assessed and they are not part of the demolition order.

However, that could change if engineers find the building is also dangerous.

The owners have been told to maintain the security of the site in the meantime.

Meanwhile, the Together Levenmouth Hub, which houses a cafe, crazy golf and escape rooms, will be closed until after Christmas.

Its roof was damaged and one wall adjoining Poundstretcher still needs to be assessed.

‘We need to get the High Street fully reopened’

Levenmouth area committee convener Colin Davidson is keen to see the dangerous buildings demolished as soon as possible.

The Labour councillor said: “We need to get the High Street fully reopened for the sake of the other businesses.

“I would hope if the buildings next door to Poundstretcher are found to be in an equally perilous state they would be brought down at the same time.

“The last thing we want to see is two different demolition dates.”

The Leven Poundstretcher fire. Image: Briony Alexandra Paddon/Facebook.
The Leven Poundstretcher fire. Image: Briony Alexandra Paddon/Facebook.

Around 50 firefighters battled the flames for several hours after the huge fire broke out at around 2am.

Part of Leven High Street is still fenced off for safety reasons and vehicles cannot drive the entire length of the road.

However, a temporary walkway has now been created for pedestrians.

Police said the cause of the blaze may never be known due to the extent of the damage.

Leven Christmas events to continue

The Leven Christmas lights switch-on will go ahead as planned on Saturday, despite the disruption.

Choirs, singers and songs start at 2pm, before the switch-on at 4.30pm.

Meanwhile, a Santa’s grotto due to be set up at the Together Levenmouth Hub has now opened at Thomson House in Methil instead.

Families with a booking will be contacted over the next few days.

Anyone with information about the fire should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0231 of November 8.

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