A 14-YEAR-OLD has been charged in connection with a fire at the former Dobbies garden centre in Dalgety Bay.

The blaze at the derelict site on the Hillend Industrial Park took place on October 23 when fire crews spent around three hours at the scene.

The teenager will now be reported to the relevant authorities.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed: “Following enquiries into a wilful fireraising at a premises on Ridge Way, Dalgety Bay, police in Fife have charged a 14-year-old boy. He will be reported to the Youth Justice Management authority.”

Last October, planning permission was given by Fife Council for a new B&M store on the site but work has not yet started on the development.

The retail firm has plans to demolish the old Dobbies and build a new home store at Ridge Way along with a garden centre.

Dobbies, who still own the site, have confirmed they are now planning to demolish the building in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson stated: “We are planning to demolish the site and are co-ordinating with relevant parties at present. It is likely that this will be before Christmas. Our plan remains to sell the site.”

Local councillor Sarah Neal welcomed the news that something is set to be done with the site in the near future.

"The local community wants the building taken down so it is no longer tempting for anti-social behaviour," she said. "Dobbies have been really good and co-operative, working with the police and want to get the site taken down in weeks rather than months.

"We would like to see B&M there as soon as possible."