A developer has sought to reassure residents after a 'demolition notice' was put up for a Grade-II listed property.

Neighbours in Folkestone have voiced alarm after receiving notes about the proposed 'demolition' of the Leas Pavilion.

The notice, which is dated on Wednesday, seems to suggest that the much-loved former Edwardian tearoom and theatre could be knocked down as part of ongoing works.

A nine-storey residential development of luxury flats is being built on the derelict site, with the revamp of the pavilion part of the works.

Residents took to social media to voice their concerns at the apparent suggestion that the building could be knocked down instead.

One local said: "I thought the whole idea was that the building was being preserved?"

Another added: "Oh there’s a surprise! I thought they had planning permission for the flats and they were to keep the Leas Pavilion."

However, project director Ahmet Ozdemir has told KentOnline that the majority of the building is being kept, with the roof and one interior wall being "dismantled".

"We have salvaged all of the heritage items including the terracotta tiles that are more than 100 years old," he said.

"The majority of them will hopefully be able to be put back, any that are too seriously damaged will be replaced with replicas.

"What we are starting on Monday is the dismantlement of the roof and an interior wall. The outside walls will be supported and kept standing."

Detailed plans for the 'demolition' work include the removal of timber and the metal frame of the roof.

The mezzanine floor will also be removed using a grab machine, and one internal wall will be demolished, using excavators and grab machines.