DEMOLITION of a landmark Wirral building is expected to be completed within days, its owners have confirmed.

The Woodside Hotel was recently engulfed in flames and left gutted, prompting widespread speculation about its future.

Located opposite the Woodside Ferry terminal and with breath-taking views across to the Liverpool waterfront, the historic building had been empty for many months before the latest fire devastated it.

A spokesman for the build-ing’s owners, Peach Develop-ments, said: “Despite consider-able efforts to the contrary, security at the Woodside Hotel has been constantly breached.

“Sadly, the combination of vandalism, theft and four recent fires have resulted in the neces-sity to demolish the buildings on health and safety grounds, advice of engineers and due to mounting concerns for the protection of the general public.

“Numerous individuals have been arrested at or ejected from the building.

“We understand the affection for the building as a landmark and also as a place where many people have fond memories of weddings and functions over the years, which has made the decision all the more difficult.

“Unfortunately, the immediate locality is plagued by vagrancy, alcoholism, drugs and perhaps highlights the great need to aid or police the individuals con-cerned, but more particularly it demonstrates a requirement for delivery of much-needed improvements to the area.

“We believe it is an important duty to ensure, that when developed, the site produces a worthy replacement landmark, wider regeneration and a new place which this prominent location, its community and the region can be proud of – we remain committed to that aim.”

The site is at the centre of the “Woodside Masterplan” area which has been under negotia-tion between the owners of the adjacent sites, including Merseytravel and Peel Holdings. Martin Lowe, of Peach Developments, has championed the scheme which could see the area revamped.

In May, 2007, a deal to proceed with the multi-million pound regeneration of the waterfront site was agreed. The develop-ment would stretch from Wood-side towards the Georgian splendour of Hamilton Square.

Peach Developments own the Woodside Hotel which is the key site in the area, and, follow-ing their initial masterplan, a further study of the area was created. This had formed the basis of a public consultation which met with public approval, according to those backing the scheme.

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