AN ‘unsafe’ derelict building which was damaged in a fire is set to be demolished next week.

Fox Homes said contractors will begin flattening the former GP surgery on Somerford Road on Monday.

The developer was given planning permission in March to demolish the building and replace it with a three-storey block comprised of nine two-bedroom apartments.

But while work was waiting to begin, the derelict building went up in flames twice in one week.

The first fire broke out on the evening of Friday, June 16, and required two fire engines to respond.

Then, on Tuesday, June 20, firefighters were called back to the building and discovered the roof space "well alight”.

Both incidents were treated as “suspicious” but Dorset Police has been unable to confirm their exact causes. 

Bournemouth Echo: The fire on June 20The fire on June 20 (Image: Harrison Evans)

Many residents were left unnerved by the fires with some taking to social media to call for action from the developers.

They argued the site was not secure enough to keep trespassers out and called for more to be done to keep youths and vandals out.

Fox Homes began to liaise with BCP Council and sent contractors back to the site to repair “breaches” while they waited to get the green light for demolishment.

However, on Friday, the company’s managing director James Fox said BCP Council had “expedited” the process and were allowing the demolition to happen “immediately”.

James added that the local authority agreed the building was in a “very unsafe” and “dangerous” state.

Contractors are due to arrive on Monday and have been briefed to demolish and clear the area – Mr Fox hopes this can be done by the end of next week.

The update has been described as “great news for everyone involved” and is likely to delight residents who have been calling for its demolition.

He added: “Fox Homes are extremely grateful for the incredible hard work, help and support of both Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, Dorset Police and BCP Council.

"We’ve worked closely with all of these institutions over a difficult last few weeks and we look forward to getting started on the demolition of the property, beginning next week, Monday, July 3.”