Safety fears mean the end for ex-knitwear site - The Alford skyline is set to change forever with the demolition of the old brewery tower in the centre of town.

The former Straven Knitwear site is now owned by Sandpoint Ltd from London which has been ordered by Skegness Magistrates Court to demolish the whole site.

The firm was taken to court by East Lindsey District Council, which was granted an order under sect 77 of the Building Act demolition and removal of rubbish, to demolish and clear the site because it is dangerous. Work must be done by June 14.

ELDC communications officer James Gilbert said: "Reports by engineers suggested the building is very unstable and in need of demolition.

"As a result the council has had a watching brief on the building for some time and has been working closely with the site owners regarding safety in and around the building.

"Although the council is not involved in the demolition process, it is understood preliminary works have already begun to ensure the building is safe for when demolition teams move in. The demolition process could take up to three months."

Director of Lincs Building Consultancy Garry Winterton, said: "The former knitwear factory has been a concern for both the council and residents for some time due to the condition of the building.

"Once the demolition is complete, the council will work closely with Sandpoint Ltd regarding the future of the site."
Alford Standard highlighted the danger of the building when ELDC's ASBO officer gave a tour of the site, pointing out the dangers to young people who kept breaking into the unstable buildings.

As a result of several public complaints, the case went to court.

Coun Richard Quantrell who, along with Coun Grant Allan, has spent many hours seeing the many different owners and developers over the past 15 years, said: "This is a welcome development. It will mean we no longer have dangerous buildings in the conservation area in the centre of Alford.

"It now opens up a large site in the centre of town suitable for residential development."