The move came after the burnt out Palace Cinema was ruled a danger to public safety after an inspection by Fife Council in March.

Its owner was ordered to tear down the eyesore building, and is now expected to turn the empty site on the High Street into flats and retail units.

The building's demolition was met with relief from residents, who have long complained about the state of the property, which was gutted by a fire 20 years ago.

Alex MacDonald, chairman of Burntisland Community Council, said: "The cinema had become a dreadful eyesore and at last a decision has been made.

"People will be enormously relieved that it has come down.

''However, this is tinged with regret that no part of the existing building could be saved."

Several attempts have been made over the past few years to develop plans for the property, and the Council had begun steps for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

A meeting last week between local councillors, planners and the site owner GNS Construction, confirmed the intention to develop the site as retail and residential space.

Read the full story in this week's Fife Free Press.