COUNCIl bosses have issued an update on ongoing safety works at the former Station Hotel building in Ayr.

Firefighters were called to a major blaze at the hotel on the evening of September 25 - and remained on scene for several days until the building could be made safe.

Train services remain suspended between Ayr and Prestwick following the fire.

But a new temporary pedestrian crossing has now been opened on Station Bridge Road to help people get to and from the replacement buses.

A specialist safety contractor began work at the site on Monday, October 23 - and South Ayrshire Council bosses have now issued an update on their progress.

In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson said: "The contractor is currently removing the roof trusses from the fire damaged encapsulation.

"Once this stage is fully complete it will give better access to carry out the necessary safety works to the southern section of the building.

"The additional temporary pedestrian crossing on Station Bridge Road (at the eastern end, adjacent to the Market Inn) is now open.

"This will improve pedestrian access to and from the replacement bus route.

"We’ll continue to keep you updated with more information as it becomes available."

Three teenagers were arrested and charged in connection with the fire.  

Council contractor Caskie has seen been conducting safety works to remove loose materials from the damaged tower and roofline after scaffolding contractor Zenith sent in a drone to inspect the damage caused by the fire.

It was then discovered that the external walls of the southern section of the building may be at risk of falling down due to the extent of the damage.

Read More: Ayr Station Hotel: South section walls 'at risk of falling'

The authority says the specialist contractor's work will take around 8-9 weeks - but that this timescale will be "kept under constant review" because of the dangerous condition of the building, the resulting access restrictions, and the weather conditions.

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