Demolition and removal work is underway at the Chinese takeaway that was set ablaze last week.

East Ayrshire Council have now began work to remove debris from the former Jade Flower restaurant on Glaisnock Street that was set on fire over two weeks ago.

The Chronicle revealed last week how a 14 year old faces a rap over the blaze at the disused takeaway The section of Glaisnock Street remains closed to traffic this week between Ayr Road and Townhead Street. The road is expected to be re-opened later in the week.

Council surveyors have visited the site this week to assess the next steps.

Barry Roy, Principal Building Standards Surveyor, East Ayrshire Council said: “We inspected the site at 12-16 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock on Monday September 28. The inspection team included Building Standards personnel and a Structural Engineer engaged through Property and Facilities Management. The first phase of the works, demolition operations and removal of debris from site is well underway. This demolition work has been done under Section 29 of the Building (Scotland) Act by a contractor and we expect to re-open the road later this week.

“The Structural Engineer will finalise his design proposals for the remedial and protection works required and this will start as soon the design is complete. Building Standards will continue to monitor works on site and will liaise with each of the building owners to recover the costs involved.”