Last month the Press reported the concerns of resident John Aitchison over the state of The Yard, on Admiralty Road. Mr Aitchison believed that parts of the fragile building could collapse or even go up in flames if the council failed to seal off the area surrounding the building.

Although Fife House chiefs said they had carried out a recent inspection that required no further work apart from the removal of some loose roofing tiles, Mr Rowley demanded a full review be carried out as he feared for “children who have been seen on the roof falling through” and “the potential for vermin to use this derelict building as a home”.

He also suggested the council look at knocking down the pub. Ahead of a meeting that was due to take place on Friday with Keith Winter, the council’s executive director of enterprise and environment, Mr Rowley said, “The council’s position is that the building is safe but I was out at the building on Tuesday morning meeting concerned residents and I am less convinced, having seen the bits that have fallen off the side of the building and the bits hanging over the side of a similar construction. I was there at 8.45am and noticed lots of children in the area of the building so this really needs another check.

“There is also rubbish and tiles that have fallen off, as well as large bits of felt lying around the same end of the building that looks most unsafe.

“I would suggest that the powers under the derelict and defective buildings could be used to at least get the safety issues and mess round the building issues addressed.” The Yard is located to the front of Rosyth FC’s Recreation Park, which is owned by the council and leased back to the club.

An original agreement that had a termination notice period of six months was cancelled in favour of a one-month arrangement to raise questions over the site’s future, with plans for a community sports hub at the Fleet Grounds understood to include plans to house the football team.

Mr Rowley added, “It was at one point suggested when the council took the decision to buy the Fleet Grounds that the park behind The Yard building could be developed by the council for housing.

“I am keen to know if this is being progressed.

“If the area of the football pitch behind the building was to be developed then what would be needed is a masterplan for the whole area, including the former Yard pub, and if necessary a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) could be served to take the building into community control for the better good of the area.”