Dangerous derelict pub finally to be demolished

THE long-awaited demolition of a crumbling former Mid Devon pub has begun.

- by SUE KEMP

Initial work to knock down The Cross Hotel in Copplestone started on Monday, June 23, when scaffolding was erected.

In April the district council issued a letter to the owners, under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, requiring them to take action to demolish the building and make the site safe.

The owners also applied for a demolition notice themselves.

The action taken by the council followed a structural survey of the property which found the building to be defective and unsafe and required an emergency road and footpath closure to be put in place to ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

While the initial six-week period for demolition work to begin lapsed, the owners showed a clear intent to make the site safe and had consulted a number of professionals to support the demolition work, including completing some preparatory internal works.