Clean-up teams move in on former piggery.

Mearns: Barr Demolition dealing with levelling and decontamination

A major operation to demolish and decontaminate a former Mearns piggery is under way.

Workers from Drumlithie-based Barr Demolition were in hazard suits, masks and breathing apparatus to remove asbestos.

The site in Luthermuir will be transformed into the Royal Arch Holiday Park with 49 chalets after being given final approval by councillors.

Montrose-based Monarch Leisure and Park Homes is behind the application, which will pump nearly £1.5 million a year into the local economy according to a specialist report.

Duncan Barr, managing director of Barr Demolition, said: “As a local company we have been aware of the site for a number of years and in its current condition it is a hazard to the public.

“The works will consist of the fully compliant removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials by fully qualified operatives under the stringent conditions as set out to the HSE regulations.

“We have recently completed a similar contract for Balfour Beatty, the largest construction company in the UK.”

He continued: “Once the asbestos has been removed and dealt with we will move our large machinery on to the site to demolish the main buildings.

“All suitable materials will be crushed and reused, reducing the number of lorries entering and leaving the site.”

Bill Mcdonald, of Monarch Leisure and Park Homes, said they should have the site ready for the first lodges by spring next year.

He said they will be investing more than £1.5m in infrastructure and services and creating employment at the holiday park which is aimed at the top end of the market.

He said: “We are creating an exciting addition to top-of-the-range tourist accommodation in Aberdeenshire.

“Barr Demolition are experts in the field and will ensure all the contaminated waste is removed and disposed of safely.”

Luxury kitchens and bathrooms, top-quality furniture and fittings and state-of-the-art electronics and wi-fi are all part of the development.

gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk

Pictures: Kim Cessford. Barr Demolition workers in hazmat suits on one of the derelict buildings.

The site as it stands is hazardous to the general public.