WORK to demolish an Edwardian Harlech hotel which had become an "eye-sore" after falling into neglect is about to begin.

The historic St David’s Hotel, built in 1910 had steadily become derelict after it closed in 2008.

The Snowdonia National Park Authority has announced it start demolition of the building, which is set in a prime location, overlooking Cardigan Bay next week.

The move follows a lengthy planning enforcement case. The National Park Authority said the declining state of the building, not far from Harlech Castle World Heritage Site, was having a "significant negative impact" on the area.

Hotel owners Aitchison Associates Ltd, based in Gibraltar, had failed to comply with a Section 215 Notice for its demolition,

They were prosecuted at Caernarfon Magistrates Court in September, 2017 and given the maximum fine for non-compliance, and have paid out £21,900 in fines for failing to comply with the enforcement notice.

Before the building could be demolished the authority had to relocate a colony of bats that had roosted in the building, as well as treating the Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant on the site.

One obstacle to demolition the authority said was the cost, but with Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council support, the authority has now appointed a contractor.

Jonathan Cawley, director of planning and land management said: “Reaching this stage has been quite a process, and I would like to thank the local community for their continued support and patience over the years.

"Thank you also to the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council who have been key partners in helping us achieve the overall aim of demolishing the hotel that has been the cause of so much local frustration.”

Harlech Councillor Freya Bentham said: “I am overjoyed that this blight on Harlech’s landscape is finally being demolished.

"I believe it will have a huge positive impact on Harlech’s economy, and I hope it will encourage investment and redevelopment of other nearby sites.

"On behalf of the community, I would like to give a huge thank you to the Planning Service at the Snowdonia National Park Authority for working so hard for several years.

"Also to the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council for supporting the National Park.”