German supermarket firm Aldi has moved to allay fears over asbestos at its development in Montrose.
The company plans to build on the site of the former Co-op in Basin View and demolition work started on site last month.
However, the contractors carrying out the demolition say they have had a few concerns from members of the public about them knocking down the building due to the asbestos that was found in the former Co-op store last year.
Aldi says it has been working with health and safety officials to ensure the building, on Basin View, next to the town’s train station, is demolished safely.
Robert Stoddart, property director for Aldi stores in Scotland, said: “Our immediate objective is to demolish a derelict and dangerous building which is why Aldi has brought in specialist contractors.
“The demolition work started last month and is on schedule to be completed by the end of May.
“We have been working closely with the Health and Safety Executive and our specialist contractors to ensure the correct procedures and all safety precautions are in place when working on a building of this nature.”
Mr Stoddart added: “We have also been working closely with Network Rail since the store shares a boundary with the rail line.
“Once the scheduled demolition phase and site clearance is complete, we will then provide a further update on the construction schedule at the end of May.”
Planners were given permission to demolish the shell and build a new store around three quarters of the size of the original last month.