DEMOLITION works began at Moffat’s derelict Mercury Inn this week, much to the community’s delight.
Fences were put up around the site on Monday with the demolition of the site to be completed over the next three weeks.
The eyesore building’s owners, Equorium Property Company Ltd (EPCL), a subsidiary of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, applied for and were granted permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council to bulldoze the inn back in November, at an estimated cost of up to £150,000.
It was previously confirmed that EPCL intends to turn the site into a car park once it is cleared.
Now with signs of progress on the ground, Moffat’s community councillors are delighted to see that the end is in sight after two decades of calls for action.
Following a site visit on Wednesday, they issued a joint statement, saying: “Moffat and District Community Council is delighted to see the first stage of the ‘Moffat Mill’ site redevelopment taking place, namely the demolition of the Mercury Hotel, after some 20 years of pressure to resolve its increasing dilapidation.
“We now look forward to seeing Equorium’s proposals for the overall development of the entire ‘Moffat Mill’ site, which we hope is to become a real asset to Moffat’s community and economy.”
Annandale North councillor Lynne Davis added: “After close on a quarter of a century of the former hotel sitting empty rotting and. decaying it is great to see the demolition works finally started this week.
“I have spoken on site with the contractors this week and they have advised that the works should take 3-4 weeks to complete. I have been part of the steering group along with Mick Barker and other Moffat community councillors and it fantastic to see our campaigning has finally paid off.”
The wider community have also welcomed the start of the demolition with businesses and individuals taking to social media to express their joy.
The team at Hyslop Hardware wrote: “Result, at long last. What a difference this will make to the impression of the town for anyone visiting and for us locals who have had to live with this monstrosity daily.”
Gordon William Burgess commented : “Glad it’s going but feel a bit sad as I was an apprentice plumber when we built it, I may be the last tradesman left who did work on it!”
Ann Hillhouse wrote: “It’s time for it to go but wee bit sad at the same time. Happy memories of working there and meeting my husband who was a young chef there.”
Ben Larmour added: “Fantastic, well done to all who put the effort into making it happen. It’s been a standing joke with some of our long term customers.”
