THE demolition of Watchet’s cargo shed finally got underway this week – despite opposition from local business leaders, some boat owners and the town’s marina operator.

Specialist contractors moved onto the East Quay site on Monday to begin work that is expected to take until the end of October to complete.

West Somerset Council, which owns the building, took the decision to take it down in March after a report highlighted concerns that it was structurally unsound, had deteriorating asbestos cladding and could pose a risk to public safety.

But the move sparked some criticism locally, with traders and business organisation WACET, some boat owners and Watchet Harbour Marina calling for it to be repaired and used for workshop space.

Boat owner Caroline Bruguier told the Free Press this week that the results of an independent survey had shown that the building had the potential to be repaired and given a new lease of life.

“I think it is very sad and a great shame that it is being taken down,” she said.

“The council has missed an opportunity to give Watchet a large workshop space that is needed in the town.”

Ms Bruguier said the demolition – likely to cost around £50,000 – was “a waste of money”.

The council previously said public safety was paramount and the structural concerns could not be ignored.

It said it was liaising with all parties over the dismantling of the building, which was a complex operation and required careful organisation to minimise any risk to the public, potential disruption to activities in the area and ensure noise and dust was kept to a minimum.

Pictured above is Watchet’s cargo shed as demolition gets underway and below as it looked before.

Photo: Paul Scullion.