WORK is due to start in the coming 10 days demolishing the derelict Frankie’s Bar in Darwen town centre.

The premises in Church Street were set alight by arsonists in December 2012 and has been empty every since.

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Now the site has been cleared and prepared for the bar buildings to be knocked down by the end of the month.

The Hong Kong-based businessman who bought the former Darwen Central Conservative Club at auction last year is now in talks with Blackburn with Darwen planning officials about the future redevelopment of the land.

News that the derelict and dangerous eyesore is finally to be demolished has been welcomed by local councillor Dave Smith and Darwen MP Jake Berry.

They both promised to keep a close on eye on plans for the redevelopment.

A borough spokeswoman said: “Northbank Demolition Contractors from Manchester and council building inspectors have been working to clear and prepare the Frankie’s Bar site.

“It will be knocked down by the end of the month and the actual demolition with start in the next few days.

“The owner is in talks with planning officials about the site’s future.”

Sunnyhurst ward Labour Cllr Smith, who chairs the borough planning committee, said: “It is good that the building is going to be finally demolished.

“There have been problems over selling the site and this has gone on for too long.

“I know Mr Pang, the owner, has been in talks with planning officials about the future redevelopment of the site.

“These are just exploratory talks.

“I would expect to some sort of commercial use.

“As ward councillor and borough planning chairman I shall be keeping a very close eye on what plans come forward for this key site.”

Mr Berry said: “I’m pleased to hear that this dangerous building is finally going to be demolished.

“It’s an eyesore that has been derelict for far too long and it’s great news to hear that this key site is going to be redeveloped.

“It’s important that whatever replaces it is in keeping with the heritage of the local area.”