Residents have finally seen work for the demolition of a derelict cinema beginning.

The boarded-up cinema has been an eyesore in the heart a Tunbridge Wells conservation area since being closed in October 2000.

Signs stating that work would be commencing soon were first erected outside the site in April this year, but no developments were made until this week.

A reassuring sight for local people was the arrival of heavy machinery being used for the demolition of the building on the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Church Road.

Joint freeholders Carlyle Group Limited and Joseph Bellhouse Limited, were sold the site in 2011 and were granted permission to demolish the buildings.

Ben Du Boulay of the Carlyle Group, said: "I’m pleased to confirm that preliminary demolition work has now started at the Cinema site in Royal Tunbridge Wells."

Work will be taking place out of public view as the Carlyle Group have said they want to keep the town as peaceful as possible, Mr Boulay added:

"We are striving to keep any disruption to the public and neighbouring businesses to a minimum.”

Concerns mounted after there was no obvious work being planned for the lingering grot-spot, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council planning chiefs voted in January this year to take legal action against the site owners.

The Council served a Section 215, meaning they could be forced to demolish the site by September if work did not begin before.

Ed Bellhouse of Bellhouse Joseph has said contractors are working to make all the necessary preparations.

He added: “This week the contractors have been concentrating on closing off public access points to the rear of the site so that demolition work can commence in earnest as soon as possible.”

Internal stripping of the site is due to start on Monday July 14.