THE derelict former Hotel Roma in Halbeath could finally be demolished after years of being neglected.

A building warrant was lodged in late December to knock down the building on Main Street and the warrant is currently being processed by Fife Council.

The site, which is also known as the old Fod Arms, has been a thorn in the side of Fife Council for more than a decade and last year they told the owners that they needed to make the eyesore building safe.

Dunfermline Central councillor Garry Haldane told the Press: "It's absolutely great news!

"We've been looking for this to happen for about 10 years.

"Hopefully, this will be passed and the long-standing issue of this unsightly building will no longer cause problems for the residents of Halbeath village.

"This building has attracted many incidents of anti-social behaviour as well as being regularly broken into and set fire to.

"Fly-tipping on the site has also been a problem.

"I have been working tirelessly to bring this problem to an end and now it looks like a successful result is around the corner.

"This will please the residents of Halbeath village no end."

Residents have long voiced concerns about the safety of the derelict building, which was also known as Hotel Roma, since the restaurant closed in November 2006 following a fire.

In February 2018, local Mark Sherry told the Press that the former pub had contributed to the area looking like an "eyesore".

There were reports that kids were risking injury after getting into the dilapidated building.

Applications have been made for various developments over the years.

The latest planning permission was granted in September 2015 to Edinburgh applicants to knock down the premises and build five retail units.

Dunfermline MPS Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It’s welcome news that progress is being made in terms of dealing with the eyesore that is the former Hotel Roma.

“I’ve been engaging with the council and site owners on an ongoing basis, pressing for this unsafe derelict site to be cleaned up, made safe, and importantly, put back into use.

“Empty and derelict sites pose a significant barrier to local development.

"Following the demolition of the building, the site should be redeveloped as a priority. I’ll be continuing to closely monitor the situation going forward.”