Ambitions for the future of Leven High Street have been revealed as demolition of the fire-hit Poundstretcher store begins.
Workmen began pulling down the three-storey shop last week, more than two months after it was destroyed in an overnight blaze.
They began by clearing tonnes of blackened rubble from the inside.
And a bulldozer has been at work this week removing what’s left of the rear wall.
The building was left in a perilous state following the November 8 fire and Fife Council served a demolition order two weeks later.
Part of the High Street remains fenced off for safety reasons but will fully reopen once the demolition is complete.
Levenmouth councillor Colin Davidson says he will do everything in his power to ensure the street is not left with an ugly gap site.
Plans for site following Leven Poundstretcher demolition
He said: “I’m asking for a town centre summit to talk about what we can do with that site.
“From start to finish, the demolition will take a matter of weeks.
“And after that, I don’t want to see it just left.
“In the short-term, I’d like to see it properly tidied up and landscaped.”
Mr Davidson said his preferred long-term option for the prominent corner site is for housing.
“Nice townhouses would be a possibility if a developer came forward,” he said.
“Places like Kirkcaldy are building houses in their high streets and that will improve footfall.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do that here.”
Poundstretcher hopes to reopen in Leven
Meanwhile, Poundstretcher has confirmed it wants to reopen in Leven if it can find the right building.
It leased the fire-hit store and is now actively looking for a new location in the town.
Regional manager Jim Bow said: “We are still trading in our nearest stores in Glenrothes and Cupar.
“However we have instructed our property agent to actively look out for any available and appropriate space in Leven.”
Police still investigating Leven High Street fire
Around 50 firefighters battled the fire for several hours after the alarm was raised at 2pm.
Police are still investigating the cause.
However, three teenagers have been charged with a second Leven High Street fire on November 25.
A 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 15 and 17 were arrested in connection with the incident at a former jewellery shop.
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